Rajat Bhatia retires from all forms of cricket at the age of 40

India’s veteran domestic cricketer Rajat Bhatia has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 40-year old all-rounder is known for his medium pace bowling mixed with useful batting in the lower order. Bhatia has played more than 100 matches in all three domestic formats of the game – first-class, one-day and T20.

? Won Ranji Trophy with Delhi in 2007-08
? Scored 6⃣4⃣8⃣2⃣ runs and picked 1⃣3⃣7⃣ wickets in 1⃣1⃣2⃣ First Class matches

We wish Rajat Bhatia well for the road ahead as he retires from all forms of cricket. ?? pic.twitter.com/RHpoow3chM

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) July 29, 2020

Bhatia began his first-class career 20 years ago. He first represented Tamil Nadu and made his debut for them in Colombo. He represented the southern state for the next six years before moving to his home state of Delhi. He served Delhi for the next 12 years, in which he also enjoyed the Ranji Trophy victory in 2007-08 season. In his later years, the all-rounder played for Rajasthan and Uttarakhand once he was not included in the Delhi side.

Featuring in all of the first ten editions of the IPL, Bhatia was a utility T20 cricketer. After modest returns for Delhi Daredevils in the first three season, Bhatia proved his worth when representing Kolkata Knight Riders. He was then snapped by Rajasthan Royals and the Pune franchise before playing his last season in 2017. In 95 IPL appearances, he scored 342 runs and claimed 71 wickets.

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Bhatia revealed his future plans. “I was keen on pursuing a career in biomechanics, and when I didn’t hear back from Uttarakhand last season, I thought it’s best I focus on my interests outside the game too instead of blocking a youngster’s place,” Bhatia told ESPNcricinfo. “I’ve pursued a biomechanics course with specialisation in training and pain management in the USA. It is a one-of-a-kind course. There are many biomechanics practitioners in India for bowling, but very few in my field, so I wanted to break new ground there,” Bhatia said.