Mumbai stalwart Abhishek Nayar draws curtains on illustrious first-class career
Mumbai all-rounder and domestic legend Abhishek Nayar has called time on his first-class career, the cricketer announced on October 23. The 36-year-old has been instrumental in many of Mumbai’s victorious campaigns in the Ranji Trophy.
A left-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-pace bowler, Abhishek made his first-class debut for Mumbai in 2005 against Tamil Nadu. Despite having an awkward stance while batting at the crease, he became Mumbai’s go-to pinch-hitter over time. Not the most searing fast bowlers, his effective medium pace was crucial in getting timely breakthroughs for his team.
A match-winner for Mumbai
In a career spanning 15 long years, the all-rounder played 103 first-class matches, scoring 5749 runs at an impressive average of 45.62 and took 173 wickets. Abhishek also played 99 List A games and 95 T20s, contributing heavily with bat and ball.
Although his international career lasted all of three ODIs, Abhishek remained a veteran in Mumbai’s domestic arena. His match-winning performances in the Ranji Trophy leading up to the IPL’s inaugural season earned him a call-up with the Mumbai Indians for the first three years. In the following editions, he plied his trade for three more franchises, before turning mentor and head coach of the first-of-its-kind KKR Academy.
Move to Pondicherry
Abhishek played 99 first-class matches for the Mumbai Ranji team. However, a slight dip in form in 2017-18 saw him being dropped for the rest of the season. In a bid to complete his 100th, he then switched to Pondicherry, one of the nine new teams for the 2018-19 fixtures. Abhishek capped off a fairly successful outing, having been among the runs as well as the wickets for his new team. It remains his first and only Ranji season with Pondicherry.
‘The perfect role model’
As soon as news of the retirement was out, ex-teammates, coaches and captains took to Twitter to congratulate Abhishek on what has been a flourishing career.
Wishing aamcha Mumbai partner a very happy retirement. It was a pleasure playing with you @abhisheknayar1 pic.twitter.com/Ix2Q9F9MoY
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) October 23, 2019
Congrats on everything you have achieved @abhisheknayar1! Onto the next chapter my brother. Delighted to have you alongside us ?? https://t.co/gQsuxfkVBF
— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) October 23, 2019
You’re the perfect role model for budding cricketers out there … was lucky to have you around during the early years of my career. We’ll miss you on the field…Good luck on your next innings @abhisheknayar1 pic.twitter.com/VIRcALRpla
— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) October 23, 2019
