The former Indian fast bowler Munaf Patel has decided to call it a day from all forms of the game as he has decided to put an end to his 15-year professional cricketing career. The pacer who was popularly known as ‘The Bharuch Express’ will now be a part of the upcoming T10 league, which is set to be held in Dubai this year. He will be seen playing for Rajputs team in the tournament. He wants to pursue a coaching career post-retirement.

Munaf played for India in 13 Tests and 70 One Day International games. His career was mostly deformed by injuries. He was also a part of three T20I games, all of them were played in the year 2011. His last international appearance also came in the same year. He has a total of 125 international wickets in his career.

Speaking to The Indian Express after his retirement, Munaf said, “There is no regret; after all the cricketers I played with have retired. Only Dhoni is left! Baki sab done ho chuke hain. So, there is no sadness as such. Sabka time khatam ho chuka hain, ghum hota jab saare khel rahe hote aur mein retire kar raha hota (everyone’s time is up; there will be sadness only if others are playing and only I had quit!).”

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Patel decided to hang his boots after having a discussion with his close friend Ismail Bhai of Matadar Cricket Club. He added that youngsters deserve chances in place of him and it will not be good if he keeps on playing. He’s also delighted to be a part of the World Cup winning squad in 2011.

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Hello friends, I have decided to quit cricket from all formats. It has been a great journey, the golden period of my life, last 15 years, something I didn't even dream about when I was a young boy in my village Ikhar. I am proud of what I have achieved and it would have not been possible without help and support from my family, friends, well-wishers and lots of Fans. I would like to thank MRF pace foundation, The Cricket Associations of Baroda,Mumbai,Gujarat,Maharashtra and of course The Indian Cricket Board, The BCCI. I would like to thank IPL franchise Rajasthan Royal,Mumbai Indians & Gujarat Lions. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart; I will remain forever grateful for all your encouragement and support over the last 15 years. I might not have been great fielder— I know, I must have annoyed you at some point of time or other :- but be rest assured I tried my best always. I had a great fun with my bowling, thinking and plotting out wickets and above all , I would cherish the time I spent in the dressing room with so many legends and great cricketers. To win that 2011 World Cup and to know that I did my small bit in helping our country to lift that Trophy after long time would remain the greatest high of my life. I am at peace with myself and my family in my village Ikhar and would like to contribute to the game through Coaching young Bowlers. Hopefully I will have your continued support and I wish you all happiness in your lives. To young kids, I would like to tell that dream big and work really hard: Life has a way of surprising us with rewards.

A post shared by Munafpatel (@munafpatel13) on Nov 10, 2018 at 1:08am PST

The pacer explained, “There is no special reason, age ho chuka hai, fitness is not the same. Youngsters are there waiting for chances and it doesn’t look nice if I keep hanging on. The main thing is there is no motivation left. I was part of World Cup winning team in 2011; there can’t be a greater high than that.”

Coming to his IPL and domestic career, Munaf represented Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions in IPL and Baroda, Gujarat, Maharashtra state teams. He has scalped as many as 231 first-class wickets, 173 List A career scalps and 101 wickets in T20 cricket, 74 of them coming in IPL.