India vs England: After being ignored by selectors, veteran cricketer announces retirement ahead of England Test series

After legendary batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, another Indian player, Priyank Panchal, has announced his retirement from first-class cricket, a day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's squad for the five-Test match series against England. The right-handed batsman was part of India's Test team in a few series but did not get a chance to make his debut.

Priyank also captained India A. The right-handed batsman replaced Rohit Sharma for the Test series against South Africa in 2021/22 but didn't get a chance there too. Priyank represented Gujarat in domestic cricket. The 35-year-old scored 8856 runs in 127 first-class games at an average of 45.18. His tally includes 29 centuries and 34 half-centuries.

Priyank took his 'X', formerly known as Twitter to hang his boots in domestic cricket.

"Growing up, everyone looks up to their father—idolises them, gets inspired, and tries to impress them. I was no different. My dad was a long-lasting source of strength for me. I was moved by the energy he gave me, the way he encouraged me to pursue my dreams, to rise from a relatively small city, and dare to aspire to wear the India cap one day. He left us long ago, and it was a dream I carried with me for nearly two decades, season after season, until today" the post reads.

"I, Priyank Panchal, announce my retirement from first-class cricket with immediate effect. It's an emotional moment. It's an enriching moment. And it's a moment that fills me with immense gratitude.

To my mom and my sister—the two of them have stood staunchly beside me, pushing me to become the best version of myself. They saw the glitter in my eyes when I sweated it out in the scorching summers of Ahmedabad, rushing from one ground to another to play competitive games ever since I was a teenager. As I progressed through the ranks, they lifted me up whenever I felt like I was sinking. They gave me the buoyancy to soar when I did well. They kept me grounded, but never let my confidence waver, not even once. I could not have done this without you two.

To my wife and her family, who are now my family—I found companionship, love, and a partner for life. Someone who understood me—my strengths, weaknesses, joys, fears, and dreams. She and her family have surrounded me with affection and resolve at all times. They celebrated my highs, empathised with me during my lows, and most importantly, never lost faith in me. Thank you for all the love. I hope to always reciprocate it and stay true to it" added Panchal.

Panchal had a standout year in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy, scoring 1,310 runs, with his highest individual score being 314 not out. That season, Gujarat won the premier domestic competition.

He was also part of Gujarat’s title-winning teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2015-16 and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2012-13 and 2013-14.