On Tuesday, veteran pacer Ashok Dinda announced his retirement from all formats of the game. In a career spanning over 15 years, Dinda picked a total of 420 wickets in 116 first-class matches. Recently, Dinda played three games for his new team Goa in the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Unfortunately, he missed the last two games due to a knee injury. Dinda cited the knee injury and his age as the primary reasons behind his retirement.

“I injured my knee which is why I didn’t play the last two matches. My body wasn’t permitting. I still have swelling in my knee. I can’t run. Also, I am 37. As a fast bowler, 37 is a lot. Otherwise, there is no reason why I should have quit. My body is not permitting,” Dinda told IANS.

Dinda also represented Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, Pune Warriors, Rising Pune Supergiants, and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. In 78 IPL games, Dinda picked up 68 wickets at a strike rate of 22.20 and an economy rate of 8.22, with his best figures being 4/18. The 36-year-old played 13 ODIs for India in which he claimed 12 wickets. While he also represented the Men in Blue in 9 T20Is and picked 17 wickets.

Ashok Dinda Thanks Former Indian Captain Sourav Ganguly

The former Bengal pacer thanked current BCCI President Sourav Ganguly for handing him his debut match against Maharashtra at Pune in the 2005-06 season. “There have been several people who have helped me throughout my career whom I would like to thank beginning with my parents.

“Then it’s Dada (Sourav Ganguly). It was because of him that I got to play for Bengal. I was not in the squad but he included me as a 16th member and handed me a debut,” Dinda added.

One of the most consistent pacers in Indian domestic cricket in the recent past, Dinda, who has 420 wickets from 116 first-class matches, is the second leading wicket-taker for Bengal after former left-arm spinner Utpal Chatterjee. Ashok Dinda stated he is open to coaching and is in contact with Goa Cricket Association and Cricket Association of Bengal regarding the same.

“Coaching is an option. I am talking to the Goa Cricket Association also. Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Avishek Dalmiya has also offered me an opportunity to help in the talent hunt for Bengal. He asked me to join you next week. But I have not thought of it as yet. Want to spend some time with the family,” he said.