Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir has ended a prolific career that spanned almost 20 years.

Gambhir played 197 matches – 58 of them Tests – between 1999 and 2018. He also collected 147 ODIs and 37 T20Is.

The stalwart left-hander, too, achieved a lengthy career in the Indian Premier League for the Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils. He captained the former to two titles – and was released by the latter prior to next month’s player auction.

‘This may sound a little wishful, but I’ve seen wishes come true. Two World Cups, highest run-getter in the final of both of these games, is the stuff dreams are made of. Somewhere on the top is being the number one Test team in the world. A trophy I’ll look at very fondly is the one I got for being awarded the ICC best Test batsman of the year in 2009,’ said Gambhir.

‘For a purist like me, it is a reward for somewhat knowing where my off-stump was. The historic series win in NZ and the series in Australia will be reflected upon fondly. But I hope the current Indian team Down Under can overshadow our feats.

‘I wouldn’t say the list is satisfactory, as I feel I was good enough for a lot more. Along this journey, I have fostered some meaningful partnerships. None more than with you guys, the supporters of Indian cricket, the most important stakeholders.’

Meanwhile, all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez will retire from Test cricket after Pakistan’s ongoing series decider against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi.

Hafeez has played 55 Tests since August 2003’s debut against Bangladesh in Karachi.

‘Today, I want to announce my retirement from the Test-match format so that I can focus my energies on playing for Pakistan in the white-ball formats,’ said the 38-year-old Hafeez.

‘I wish the Test team the very best for their upcoming assignments, starting with the tour to South Africa, the team management, especially the coach and captain have worked very hard in forming an exciting core of players that can serve for long.’

The 38-year-old will remain available for Pakistan’s limited-overs teams. He has played 203 ODIs and 89 T20Is.

‘I am eyeing to represent Pakistan in the ICC World Cup next year. I feel honoured that I represented the country in 55 Test matches, including the opportunity of captaining the team. I feel satisfied that I performed to the best of my abilities in my 15-year-long Test career,’ he added.

Photo: Getty