After a thirteen-year career which saw him play 99 first-class games for Mumbai and move to Puducherry towards the end, all-rounder Abhishek Nayar announced his retirement from first-class cricket on Wednesday (October 23).
“Yes, I gave a letter to the BCCI and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) when I was in the West Indies (to help the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League) last month, informing them of my decision to quit the game. I thanked both of them, all my coaches, my teammates, family and friends for all the support they gave me through my thick and thin,” Nayar told TOI on Tuesday.
It's been an absolute honour and I'm grateful for all the support I've received through my playing career.Gave it my everything and like they say 'no regrets no comebacks'.its time to move on…thank you everyone for… https://t.co/oqYs3wK30u
— abhishek nayar (@abhisheknayar1) October 23, 2019
Throughout his career for Mumbai, Nayar mentored the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Dinesh Karthik, and Unmukt Chand. Nayar also played three ODIs for India under MS Dhoni’s captaincy in 2009.
The 36-year old Nayar played his first Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai in 2005, and represented them 98 times more before he was dropped during the 207-2018 season. He then played for Puducherry in four matches. He has scored 5749 runs in 103 first-class matches with 13 centuries and 32 fifties while taking 173 wickets.
After Nayar announced his retirement, Bollywood actress Nimrat Kaur, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Brendon McCullum and others took to Twitter to bid farewell to the Mumbai veteran.
“@abhisheknayar1 massive congratulations to you on your blazing trail ! And here’s to the next chapter !!! Bringggg it onnnn !! 🌪🤗,” Nimrat tweeted .
@abhisheknayar1 massive congratulations to you on your blazing trail ! And here’s to the next chapter !!! Bringggg it onnnn !! 🌪🤗
— Nimrat Kaur (@NimratOfficial) October 23, 2019
“Congrats on everything you have achieved @abhisheknayar1! Onto the next chapter my brother. Delighted to have you alongside us,” McCullum wrote.
https://twitter.com/Bazmccullum/status/1186913340557185024
You've played your part without shying away as a batsman, bowler, senior, brother and a friend to all of us. It was pleasure playing with you. You were the best bowling partner I have had while playing for Mumbai. Happy retirement @abhisheknayar1 pic.twitter.com/JOYt6ulDnu
— Shardul Thakur (@imShard) October 23, 2019
Congrats @abhisheknayar1 , hopefully you’ve managed to get the knee swelling to settle down. I pray we can tour again so I can have 54 Indian meals in a row 😂😂😂
— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) October 23, 2019
A champion player, fantastic teammate, great friend and gem of a person @abhisheknayar1 congratulations on a great career buddy and thank u for all the great memories on n off the field. Wishing u well for the next chapter. God bless😊🙏 #nayarknowsbest 😉🤗 pic.twitter.com/J2UyaQSv2P
— Aditya Tare (@adu97) October 23, 2019
Well done @abhisheknayar1 on a wonderful career. Hope you have a very happy & memorable journey post retirement too. Good luck 👍🏽 pic.twitter.com/lZMmKfZDJU
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 23, 2019
22-yards will miss you, @abhisheknayar1 #OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/bsXuLPpgTb
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 23, 2019
You're the perfect role model for budding cricketers out there … was lucky to have you around during the early years of my career. We'll miss you on the field…Good luck on your next innings @abhisheknayar1 pic.twitter.com/VIRcALRpla
— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) October 23, 2019
Wishing aamcha Mumbai partner a very happy retirement. It was a pleasure playing with you @abhisheknayar1 pic.twitter.com/Ix2Q9F9MoY
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) October 23, 2019
Congrats @abhisheknayar1. U hv touched many lives, particularly youngsters & always ready 2 help anyone who seeks it. May u continue to do so in your new avatar. So glad to have you on the team. @KKRiders @TKRiders, https://t.co/JiUZtzBAAP
— Venky Mysore (@VenkyMysore) October 23, 2019
