Priyanka Panchal, the star batsman from Gujarat, has called time on his 17-year domestic cricket career. At 35, he stepped away after scoring a memorable 148 against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy semi-final in Ahmedabad. That knock turned out to be his last in first-class cricket, marking the end of an era for one of Gujarat’s top run-scorers.
Panchal racked up 8,856 runs in 127 first-class matches, smashing 29 centuries along the way. He played a key role in Gujarat’s rise from a mid-table team to champions. Remember those glory days? Gujarat lifted the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2014/15, the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2015/16, and the big one—the Ranji Trophy in 2016/17. Panchal was right there, contributing with his solid technique and big scores.
But why retire now? Panchal gets the ups and downs of cricket and life. “It’s time for young players to take over domestic cricket,” he told in an exclusive chat. He’s not done with the game, though. He jumped into the Intercontinental Legends Championship right after announcing his retirement and became the top run-scorer there. “I still have the skills for T20 leagues around the world. I want to enjoy playing them,” he added. During that tournament, he even pulled off shots he never thought possible—it was all about fun and freedom.
His retirement didn’t go unnoticed. Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar and author Shashi Tharoor praised him publicly, which left Panchal speechless. “Hearing that from them means everything. My family and I are so grateful,” he said. People recognize those words even when he’s out with his family, and it fills him with pride. Coming from a small city, getting such shoutouts feels like a huge achievement.
Panchal isn’t regretting what could have been, like that elusive India Test cap—he was in the squad a few times but never played. Instead, he’s excited about the future. Retiring from domestic cricket opens doors to global T20 leagues, where he’ll share dressing rooms with international stars. “It’s a chance to learn and grow as a cricketer and maybe even as a mentor,” he shared. He draws inspiration from Ravichandran Ashwin, who’s chasing franchise deals after his IPL retirement. “I want to follow that path—score more runs and win trophies with teams worldwide.”
A die-hard fan of red-ball cricket, Panchal believes all formats matter. “T20 is exciting, but Test cricket teaches patience, calmness, and resilience,” he says. His advice to young cricketers? Stick to the basics. “Flashy shots are fun, but you need solid fundamentals for most of the game. Even if you dream of T20 stardom, master red-ball cricket first—it builds everything you need.”
He points to Hardik Pandya as an example. “Hardik loves white-ball cricket, but he played Tests and Ranji games too. To be a big player, you need hard work, patience, and resilience.”
Looking ahead, Panchal eyes a career in cricket commentary. “I love talking about the game and connecting with fans—broadcasting feels like a natural fit.” He’s prepping by reading widely. Right now, he’s tackling a tough book on relativity (math and science aren’t his usual turf!) and another on sports auctions, player deals, and evaluations. His background in financial management fuels this curiosity. “Reading helps sharpen my mind for broadcasting and opens new worlds,” he explains.
Social media? Panchal uses it wisely to share insights without getting caught in the drama. “It’s great for spreading important points, but I stay balanced—especially during my playing days, when emotions run high.”
As he balances global T20 gigs and broadcasting dreams, Panchal feels fulfilled. “This is the perfect time to explore overseas leagues and give back to cricket. The game gave me everything—now I want to return the favor.” With his passion intact, Panchal’s next chapter promises more excitement for cricket fans.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
