Samit Patel, who was part of the victories for the Indian under-19 side of the 2012 batch retired from all formats of the game under the BCCI gamut as he is set to fulfill his American dream. With this, Patel has now got the authority to play a franchise league outside the Indian region. Hence, his first-go will be to the Caribbean land as the 28-year wicketkeeper-batsman will be representing Barbados Tridents in the CPL this August.
‘Former’ Indian U-19 cricketer who spoke to the sporting website ‘Cricinfo’ said, “It’s a new innings for me. It’s been a different sort of a journey. Starting with the highs of the Under-19 World Cup, then the frustration of not finding a place as a wicketkeeper, and then moving four teams [Gujarat, Tripura, Goa, and Baroda] within India for opportunities”.
Patel also made it clear that he took this decision because of the stifling competition at the highest level of the game and he feels he’s blessed to have represented the Indian side at a marque cricketing event for the youngsters. He also made it clear that all his paperwork with the BCCI is complete.
“I’ve sent in my retirement letter. So the India chapter of my cricket career is over. If I return, it’ll only be to train here for a month or so every year when it’s snowing back in the US” Patel said.
The USA is not something new to Samit as he is a green-card holder. Patel has spent some considerable time in the country since 2010. Adieu, Samir!
