Ramesh Powar retires from competitive cricket

New Delhi : Former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar on Tuesday retired from competitive cricket, bringing down curtains on his distinguished 15-year old domestic career. The 37 year old Powar had briefly donned national colours in the early and middle part of last decade, playing 2 Tests and 31 ODIs. Powar took six wickets in two Tests — both against Bangladesh while he was relatively better in shorter format with his fast off breaks yielding 34 scalps. But he was a stalwart for Mumbai as his 442 first class wickets are a testimony. He formed a potent spin attack with Sairaj Bahutule during those years when Mumbai won multiple Ranji Trophies. Poor fitness and weight problems were impediments towards finding a permanent slot in the team. Also, his best years coincided with presence of Harbhajan Singh. Powar during the end of his career played for Rajasthan and Gujarat as a professional. “I have tried to be an honest servant of the game that I love most. I would like to be associated with the game in any capacity,” Powar, who will be playing in Masters Champions League, said.  Powar though will play Gujarat’s remaining Ranji matches of the season. After the season, he will join MCL.