Pragyan retires from international cricket

New Delhi : Veteran Indian left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, who snared 10 wickets during Sachin Tendulkar's farewell Test in 2013, announced retirement from international and first-class cricket with immediate effect.

Tendulkar's final Test in Mumbai against the West Indies in November 2013 also became the last of the 33-year-old Ojha's career and the one in which he was named man of the match. He went out of favour after that but did not give any reasons for his decision to call it quits now.

In all, he played 24 Tests between 2009 and 2013 in which he took 113 wickets. "It's time I move on to the next phase of my life...I am writing this letter to tender my formal retirement from international and first-class cricket with immediate effect," Ojha posted on his Twitter account.

"To be an Indian cricketer and represent the country at the highest level was always a dream I cherished as a youngster. "I fall short of words to describe how fortunate I have been to have lived my dream and earned the love and respect of my fellow countrymen," he added.

From 18 ODIs, he grabbed 21 wickets. He also played six T20 Internationals. He said the most memorable moment of his career was receiving his Test cap from Tendulkar. "(It was like) ... accomplishing the feat of taking 100 Test wickets.

I hope to continue contributing towards the growth of Indian cricket in every capacity possible," he said. In the early stage of his career, Ojha had a fruitful spin partnership with R Ashwin in Tests, taking 20 wickets in the 2011 home Tests against West Indies and 13 the following year against New Zealand.

"My eventful career has witnessed many ups and downs, Over time, I have realised that the legacy of a sportsperson is not just the outcome of his hard work and dedication, but also the faith and guidance bestowed upon by the association (team management), teammates, coaches, trainers and the fans," he said.

"I am indebted to the BCCI for giving me this extraordinary opportunity and putting their belief in me. "It has been an absolute honour to be associated with the Board, an association that has shaped my professional life and also enriched my personal development."

Ojha, who competed for erstwhile Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians in the IPL, was once reported for a suspect action in 2014.