I would love to mentor young cricketers now: Priyank Panchal

Former Team Gujarat skipper Priyank Panchal, who announced his retirement from first-class cricket on Monday evening, says, “It was a practical decision.” The 35-year-old batter, who has also captained India A in the past, adds, “It (retirement) was on my mind for a while.

I could have easily played for another two or three years. However, as a professional cricketer, my biggest dream was to play for India and realistically, I didn’t think that was going to happen. So, I felt there was no point in playing just for the sake of it if the hunger (to succeed) at the highest level is no longer there.”

‘I will continue to contribute to cricket’

So, what does he plan to do next? Priyank says, “For now, I just want to process this phase. I have a couple of things in mind, but I will start working on that later.” However, he adds, “I will continue to contribute to cricket. I would love to mentor young cricketers because given how competitive the game has become, it is important to have a mentor who can guide you properly. Many talented youngsters don’t have clarity about what they need to do to reach a higher level. I would be very happy if I can help them achieve their dreams.”

‘My journey was full of challenges, but I enjoyed it’

With 8856 runs in 127 matches, including 29 centuries, Priyank finished as Team Gujarat’s second-highest run-scorer in first-class cricket. The classy innings of 148 against Kerala in February (Ranji Trophy semi-final) will remain his last first-class innings. In 2021-22, he was even selected in Team India as Rohit Sharma’s replacement for the South Africa tour, but did not find a place in the playing XI. Does he have any regrets? Priyank, who won all domestic tournaments with Team Gujarat (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2014-15, Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2015-16 and Ranji Trophy in 2016-17, where he scored 1310 runs, including a career-best 314 against Punjab), says, “My journey has been full of challenges and sacrifices because first-class cricket requires a lot of hard work.

But I enjoyed that grind. Being a part of the Gujarat dressing room taught me discipline, how to stay positive even during tough times, and how to stay calm under pressure.

These important life lessons have helped me in all aspects. I may not have played for India, but captaining India A against international teams was a very proud moment.”

‘My school and employers have supported me a lot’

Reflecting on the journey, Priyank says, “For me, everything started at school (Hiramani School, Ahmedabad) and some of the teachers, like Jani sir and Brahmbhatt sir, played a huge role in shaping my dreams as a cricketer.

Later, my employers (Income Tax Department) also supported me immensely and the job gave me stability.” He adds, “I think the turning point in my career came when I started scoring big in local matches. Once, I scored a double century and that gave me the belief that I could do this at the highest level too.”

‘I am grateful to my family and friends for their constant support’

Getting emotional, Priyank says, “I am grateful to my family and friends for their constant support. When I was a kid, my dad always inspired me to pursue my dream of playing for India. After he left us, my mom (Dipti) and sister (Brinda) made sure that I could focus on cricket and not worry about anything else. They kept believing in me even when I did not do well. My wife (Kalna) and in-laws have been a constant source of strength too.

I couldn’t have achieved whatever I have done without them.” He adds, “After I informed my family about retirement, they said, ‘Do whatever you feel is right. We are always there for you.’ Everyone agreed that it was a practical decision.”