"It is the right time to make way for youngsters. I had made the decision even before the start of the season that this will be my last season," said
VA Jagadeesh as he explained his decision to retire from
first-class cricket
at the end of Kerala's campaign in the
Ranji Trophy season 2018-19.
Jagadeesh, 35, has played 72 first-class matches for Kerala in a career spanning more than 14 years, scoring 3548 runs at an average of 34. He has eight centuries and 18 half-centuries to his name.
A solid right-handed opener during his prime, Jagadeesh made a comeback to the Kerala Ranji team at the start of this season and scored an unbeaten 113 against Hyderabad playing in the middle-order. But he could not build on that form and lost his place in the side by the quarterfinals came and did not play in the semifinal against Vidarbha too.
However, Jagadeesh has no regrets and is thrilled about being part of a Kerala team that has made history. "I am so happy to be part of this team and being part of history. Qualifying for the semifinals is the most memorable moment with the Kerala team for me. It's always good to finish on such a high," said Jagadeesh.
Jagadeesh made his debut for Kerala in 2004 against Himachal Pradesh and co-incidentally his final match for the team came against the same opposition, in the last group match of the season in Nadaun.
At a personal level, the 2012-13 season remains Jagadeesh's high-point. He racked up 871 runs in the Ranji season to become the fifth-highest scorer in the country and earn a berth in the India 'A' team that played against New Zealand and West Indies later in the season. In fact, Jagadeesh was the batsman with the most runs across all domestic competitions in the country that season.
While he has not been able to reach the heights of 2013, Jagadeesh continued to remain an integral part of the Kerala team till injuries and loss of form saw him lost his place for the 2017-18 season. But he worked hard to regain his place in the squad at the start of this season. The fact that he consistently tops the Yo-Yo test scores among Kerala players showed how he has maintained high levels of fitness.
An employee with SBI, Jagadeesh said that he will be around the cricket scene even after retirement. "I want to thank the KCA and my bank SBI for all the support. I will continue playing club cricket and will be around to help the next generation and pass on my knowledge," said Jagadeesh.
Playing career: First-class: Matches: 72, Runs: 3548, H.S: 199 no, Ave: 33.74, 100s: 8, 50s: 18
List-A: Matches: 62, Runs: 2150, H.S: 121, Ave: 41.34, 100s: 5, 50s: 11
T20s: Matches: 40, Runs: 788, H.S: 75, Ave: 25.41, 100s: 0, 50s: 4
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