Priyank Panchal retire from first-class cricket

Priyank Panchal, a stalwart of Indian domestic cricket and former captain of Gujarat and India A, announced his retirement from first-class cricket on May 26, 2025. This decision concludes a distinguished 17-year career in which he amassed 8,856 runs in 127 matches at an average of 45.18, including 29 centuries and 34 fifties. Career Highlights - Ranji Trophy Triumph : Panchal played a pivotal role in Gujarat's maiden Ranji Trophy victory during the 2016–17 season, scoring 1,310 runs—the second-highest in a single season after VVS Laxman’s 1,415 in 1999–2000. Record Holder : He holds the record for the most centuries (23) by a Gujarat player in first-class cricket and is the state's second-highest run-scorer, just behind Parthiv Patel. Final Innings : In his last first-class appearance, Panchal scored a commendable 148 runs in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy semi-final against Kerala. Despite his efforts, Gujarat narrowly missed advancing to the final due to a slim first-innings deficit. Reflections on Retirement Panchal cited the realization that a debut for the Indian national team was unlikely as a factor in his decision to retire. Despite being named in India's Test squads and leading India A, he never earned a cap for the senior national team. He expressed gratitude for his career and the support he received, stating, "I got practical, realised I won't be able to play for India anymore." Legacy Panchal's contributions to Indian domestic cricket are widely recognized. He was instrumental in Gujarat's rise in domestic competitions, leading them to victories in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (2015–16) and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (2014–15). His retirement marks the end of an era for Gujarat cricket, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, leadership, and consistent performance.