Former India batsman and Andra Pradesh skipper Venugopal Rao on Tuesday announced his retirement from all forms of the game.
“Y. Venugopala Rao, former captain of Andhra Ranji team and India international, who has represented India in 16 ODIs, and 65 IPL matches announced his retirement from all the forms of cricket,” the Andhra Cricket Association said in a statement.
Rao made his International debut in 2005 after a classy outing against England ‘A’. He played his last ODI against West Indies at Basseterre on May 23, 2006.
The 37-year-old Andhra lad scored over 7000 runs as a part of his first-class career with a fantastic average of over 40. From 2008-2014 he played for Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.
A decline for Andhra Cricket:
With Ambati Rayudu and Venugopal Rao retiring in a month, the Andhra Pradesh domestic side will have huge shoes to fill in the next season.
Also, Rao did not announce his plans if he would join as a part of coaching staff for domestic sides or any other.