Barinder Sran, the left-arm medium-fast bowler, has officially announced his retirement from both international and domestic cricket. The 31-year-old made the decision public through an emotional post on his Instagram account. Sran’s international career spanned a brief period in 2016, during which he played six One Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for the Indian national team.
“As I officially hang up my cricket boots, I look back at my journey with a heart full of gratitude,” Sran said in his heartfelt message. He reminisced about his cricketing journey, highlighting the invaluable experiences the sport had afforded him. “Cricket has gifted me innumerable and incredible experiences. Fast bowling soon became my lucky charm and opened doors to represent prestigious IPL franchises, ultimately culminating in the highest honor of representing India in 2016,” he added.
Sran expressed that despite the brevity of his international career, the memories he created were everlasting and would be cherished forever. He extended his gratitude towards the coaches and management who played pivotal roles in shaping his career. “I am eternally grateful to the almighty for getting me the right coaches and management, who have supported me throughout my journey,” he remarked.
Sran’s cricketing stint at the international level began under the leadership of MS Dhoni. He made his ODI debut in Perth with only eight List A games under his belt. From his six ODI appearances, Sran took seven wickets. He later transitioned to the T20I arena during the same year, debuting against Zimbabwe. His remarkable performance in his debut T20I earned him the Player of the Match award, thanks to his figures of 4 for 10 which helped bowl out the hosts for a meager 99 runs.
Sran’s commitment to cricket extended beyond international matches as he also made significant contributions in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over his career, he played for four franchises: Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab, and Mumbai Indians. Appearing in 24 IPL matches between 2015 and 2019, Sran managed to claim 18 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 9.
.40.
However, Sran’s career was not without its challenges. He played his last first-class game in 2019 and his last List A game in 2021. Injuries and stiff competition within the national and domestic circuits might have curtailed his career, but Sran remained positive about his overall journey and the experiences he accumulated along the way.
Reflecting on his IPL journey, Sran acknowledged the platform’s role in developing his skills and providing exposure. “Being a part of different prestigious IPL franchises was a great learning curve for me. It allowed me to learn from some of the world’s best players and coaches, which significantly contributed to my growth as a cricketer,” he said.
In addition to his cricketing accolades, Sran also took a moment to appreciate the relationships and bonds he formed throughout his career. “More than the performances and milestones, it’s the friendships and camaraderie that I’ll cherish the most. Cricket has brought me closer to some incredible individuals who have left an indelible mark on my life,” he reflected.
As Sran steps away from professional cricket, he looks forward to new challenges and opportunities. He has yet to unveil his plans for the future, but his passion for the sport and inherent love for fast bowling continue to drive him. “While my time as a player concludes, my journey with cricket is far from over. Whether it’s coaching, mentoring, or exploring other avenues within the sport, I am excited about what lies ahead,” Sran concluded.
Barinder Sran’s retirement marks the end of a noteworthy chapter in Indian cricket. His contributions, though limited, were impactful and earned him a place in the annals of cricketing history. The cricketing fraternity bids him farewell with best wishes for his future endeavors, hoping that his experiences and insights will continue to benefit upcoming generations of cricketers.