Chandrakant Pandit to retire after final

Bangalore, April 18: Former India wicket-keeper batsman Chandrakant Sitaram Pandit announced his retirement from first class cricket on t...

Bangalore, April 18: Former India wicket-keeper batsman Chandrakant Sitaram Pandit announced his retirement from first class cricket on the eve of the Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh which begins here tomorrow.

8220;This will be my last game. If we win this game, I would be happy man,8221; said the 38-year-old Pandit. 8220;Though I do not take full credit, I feel happy I was instrumental in MP making the final,8221; he said.

8220;I feel MP do not require me any more. There are many talented youngsters. They should be able to carry on without my support,8221; said Pandit who made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bombay in 1979-80.

Giving reasons for his retirement, Pandit said: 8220;I have been playing for the past 20 years. Now I want to devote my time to my family.8221;

Pandit said he had planned to retire last year itself. He said former Union minister and President of MP State Cricket Association Madhav Rao Scindia and Secretary Sanjay Jagdale had asked him to carry on for another year.Pandit who isalready into coaching at Mumbai along with former India star Sandeep Patil, said he would continue to do so. 8220;I want to give back something to the game which I love,8221; he said.

Pandit, who made his Test debut in England in 1986, admitted he did not do justice to his talent. 8220;People expected a lot from me. Unfortunately I failed. I have no regrets. I got enough chances even though there was a three-way fight Kiran More and Sadanand Vishwanath for the 8216;keepers slot in the Indian team.

8220;A wicket keeper has less chances than a bowler or a batsman to show his wares. That is why most of the youngsters do not take to wicket keeping,8221; lamented Pandit.

Story continues below this ad

Recalling his formative years, Pandit said Ashok Mankad, Ramakant Achrekar coach, Rajnikant and Umesh Sathe had provided immense support. He said he was also grateful for his employers Mahindra and Mahindra.

Pandit also had the distinction of leading Mumbai into semifinals on two occasions. Though Pandit did not play the Wills Trophy final, he was thereto motivate and later rejoice when Madhya Pradesh lifted the title this year.

Pandit, a member of the 1987 World Cup team, was a witness to the hat-trick by Chetan Sharma. He also witnessed the same bowler being smacked for a six by Javed Miandad off the last ball in the now infamous Sharjah debacle.

The record of 31 victims three stumpings a season in domestic cricket is still in Pandit8217;s name. This was in 1983-84, playing for Mumbai.