Former Indian pacer Siddarth Kaul, who shared the spotlight with Virat Kohli during India’s victorious Under-19 World Cup campaign in 2008, has announced his retirement from professional cricket. Kaul, now 34, shared an emotional farewell message on social media, expressing his gratitude for a fulfilling career that saw him represent India on the biggest stage.
Kaul Reflects on a Memorable Cricketing Journey
Siddarth Kaul’s journey began in the cricketing fields of Punjab, where he dreamt of donning the Indian jersey. In his heartfelt retirement announcement, Kaul reflected on achieving that dream when he earned his T20I cap (No. 75) and ODI cap (No. 221) in 2018.
“When I was a child playing cricket in the fields in Punjab, 1 had one dream. A dream to represent my country. In 2018, by Gods grace, I received my India Cap Number 75 in the T20i team and Cap Number 221 in the ODI team. The time has now come to call time on my career in India and announce my retirement. Words cannot express my gratitude for the love and support I have received through allthe highs and lows of my career,” Kaul wrote on X.
Achievements on the Field
Kaul’s career highlights include being part of India’s title-winning Under-19 World Cup team in 2008, led by Virat Kohli. His contributions extended to domestic cricket as well, where he represented Punjab and gained recognition for his consistency as a fast bowler.
In addition to his international debut in 2018, Kaul also had a successful stint in the IPL, where he played for franchises such as Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
“I want to thank the IPL franchises for giving me memories of a lifetime,” Kaul wrote, acknowledging the opportunities he received to showcase his talent in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
Gratitude for Supporters and Next Steps
Kaul concluded his message with deep appreciation for the support he received throughout his career from fans, family, teammates, and cricket associations.
“ The time has now come to call time on my career in India and announce my retirement.
Words cannot express my gratitude for the love and support I have received through all the highs and lows of my career. I want to thank God for the path that has been made for me; the fans for the endless support; my parents and family for the sacrifices and confidence you have given me, especially during the injuries and lows; my teammates over the years for the dressing room memories and friendships; the BCCI for fulfilling a young child’s dream to represent India and win the 2008 Under-19 World Cup and receive my T20i and ODI caps in 2018! Kolkata Knight Riders , Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL franchises for giving me memories of a lifetime; and last but not least, the @pcacricketassociation for giving me an opportunity to make my First Class debut in 2007 and supporting me throughout my career. Without all your support I would not be the person I am today.
I don’t know what the future holds but I look back on this chapter with only fond memories and now on to the next chapter.
Once again, thank you”
When I was a child playing cricket in the fields in Punjab, I had one dream. A dream to represent my country. In 2018, by Gods grace, I received my India Cap Number 75 in the T20i team and Cap Number 221 in the ODI team.
The time has now come to call time on my career in India… pic.twitter.com/XiNQ0NBqou
— Siddharthh Kaul (@iamsidkaul) November 28, 2024
Career Highlights of Siddarth Kaul
- Under-19 World Cup Victory: Part of the 2008 team led by Virat Kohli that won the title.
- India Debut in 2018: T20I Cap No. 75 and ODI Cap No. 221.
- IPL Teams: Represented KKR, DD, SRH, and RCB in the Indian Premier League.
- First-Class Debut: Made his debut for Punjab in 2007 under the Punjab Cricket Association.
Siddarth Kaul’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable journey in cricket. While his next chapter remains uncertain, Kaul’s legacy as a dedicated servant of Indian cricket and a proud teammate in India’s historic U-19 victory will endure.