Siddarth Kaul retires from Indian cricket, open to playing overseas

After a career spanning nearly two decades, Indian fast bowler Siddarth Kaul has announced his retirement from domestic and international cricket. The 34-year-old, who last represented India in early 2019, plans to explore cricketing opportunities abroad, including leagues and county cricket.

Kaul’s journey has been marked by perseverance and significant achievements. He was a standout performer in the 2023-24 season, helping Punjab claim their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title as their leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps in 10 matches. His dominance extended to the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he led Punjab’s bowling with 19 wickets in six games. Kaul retires as the all-time highest wicket-taker in both tournaments, with 155 wickets in Vijay Hazare and 120 in Syed Mushtaq Ali.

Known for his death-bowling expertise, Kaul made his international debut during India’s tour of Ireland in 2018 after strong IPL seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 2017, he took 16 wickets in 10 IPL games, followed by an impressive 21 wickets in 2018, helping Sunrisers reach the final.

Despite a promising start to his career, including being part of India’s victorious 2008 U-19 World Cup squad, Kaul faced setbacks due to injuries, which limited his domestic appearances for years. Nevertheless, his resilience helped him amass 297 wickets in first-class cricket, 199 in List A, and 182 in T20s, with standout performances for Punjab and in the IPL.

Looking ahead, Kaul expressed his desire to continue playing overseas, whether in county cricket or franchise leagues. Reflecting on his decision, Kaul said, “I wanted to retire on a high, while I was still performing and fit. I still feel I have a few years of cricket left in me.”

Kaul’s legacy as a consistent and impactful bowler across formats will inspire young cricketers, as he embarks on a new chapter beyond Indian cricket.