Bahutule too decides to end first-class career

After former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar's retirement from first-class cricket, another ex-India player ufffd Sairaj Bahutule ufffd called it quits from first-class cricket yesterday

Bahutule, who was Vidarbha’s coach-cum-captain, said that representing India and leading Mumbai to Ranji Trophy win were the high points in his career. He made his Test debut against Australia in Chennai in 2001.

Sairaj Bahutule delivers a ball against the visiting Australia side at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium in 2004. Pic/AFP

The leg-spinner will for now focus on coaching. He will continue as the coach of the VCA team till the season ends and will prepare them for the one-dayers and T20 Games.

Bangar quit after Railways failed to qualify for the knock-out stage even after beating Bengal.

“I was hoping that Railways would qualify for the knock-out stage of the Ranji Trophy.

“Since we didn’t qualify, I thought that it is appropriate to call time. It’s been a fabulous journey and I have enjoyed every bit of it,” the 40-year-old, who represented India in 12 Tests and 15 ODIs told PTI from Kolkata.

He also scored a century against Zimbabwe but will forever be remembered for a brilliant 68 against England in seaming conditions at Headingley in 2002.

“The Test century against Zimbabwe was special but, I became a household name because of that innings at Headingley,” Bangar said.u00a0u00a0

Bangar in figures
>> Tests: 12, Runs: 470; Wickets: 7; w ODIs: 15; Runs: 180; Wickets: 7

First-Class
>> u00a0Matches: 165; Runs: 8349; Average: 33.13; HS: 212; 100s: 13; Wickets: 300

Bahutule in figures
>> Tests: 2; Runs: 39; Wickets: 3; w ODIs: 8; Runs: 23; Wickets: 2

First-Class
>> Matches: 188; Runs: 6176; Avg: 31.83; HS: 134 not out; 100s: 9; Wickets: 630

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