• Tahir: I don’t want to retire

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    Imran Tahir says that despite his retirement from international cricket he has no intention of leaving the game behind completely.

    Tahir is in the best form of his life. And despite announcing that the 2019 World Cup would be the last time he will represent the Proteas, the 40-year-old continues to devastate batting lineups.

    After another brilliant performance in the IPL that saw him pick up career-best figures of 4-27, Tahir emphasised his desire to continue playing cricket.

    ‘I don’t want to retire. I love the game, I have respect for the game and passion for the game,’ he said. ‘[But] there is no other World Cup for me.’

    ALSO READ: Imran Tahir announces ODI retirement

    His performance for the Chennai Super Kings against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday saw the spinner pick up 4-27 to help restrict the opposition to 161-8, a total that was chased down with five wickets in hand.

    His middle-over strikes saw him end KKR’s Chris Lynn’s 51-ball 82, and he also added the wicket of the destructive Andre Russell to his list.

    Despite his dominant performance, he still was slightly critical about his performance, a quality which proves why he is a world-class athlete.

    He also expressed his desire to claim Russell’s wicket, who has proven to be one of the most dangerous hitters in this year’s campaign. The amazing feat is that he achieved what he aimed for.

    ‘I could’ve bowled one or two dot balls or may have conceded one [run], but I wanted to take the challenge,’ he said after claiming his best IPL figures.

    ‘I wanted to get him out, it’s as simple as that. He hit me for a six and a four which was fine, but I got his wicket which was very important for the team, more than personal achievement.

    ‘He’s such a good player, especially in the death overs.’

    ALSO READ: Terrific Tahir inspires CSK win

    Photo: Deepak Malik/IPL/ SPORTZPICS

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    Khalid Mohidin