Ajit Agarkar retires from first-class cricket,says no motivation left

8220;I am sure Mumbai still has a good bench strength. Zak Zaheer Khan being there will be a big boost. Dhawal Kulkarni is there so is Abhishek Nayar. I think we still have a decent attack,8221; Agarkar told The Indian Express.

Agarkar,who represented the country in 26 Tests and 191 ODIs,never thought of playing the game for so long.

8220;I never thought I will play so long. 100 first-class games,so many Test matches and ODIs,8221; said Agarkar.

The seamer,who will turn 36 in a couple of months,said it would have been unfair on youngsters had he stretched his career for a few more years.

8220;I am 35 and there is no motivation left for me anymore. I could have stretched my career for a few more years but I thought it will be unfair on youngsters. I am not training as I used to as things get difficult once you pass a certain age,8221; Agarkar added.

Mumbai did considerably well under Agarkar8217;s leadership and went on to win the Ranji title last season. Zaheer Khan is now likely to lead Mumbai in what will be Sachin Tendulkar8217;s last Ranji Trophy match.

BCCI congratulates

Ajit Agarkar served India with distinction for nearly a decade. On behalf of the BCCI,I congratulate him on a fine career,and wish him all the best for the future, N Srinivasan said in a statement issued by the BCCI.

Ajit Agarkar did his best with bat and ball,every time he set foot on a cricket field. He had a memorable first innings, and hopefully his second innings will be as eventful. To him,I would like to say,Well played,Ajit!, said Sanjay Patel,Hony. Secretary,BCCI.