Venugopal Rao talks retirement, best career moments and the road ahead

The former Indian cricketer, who announced his retirement on Tuesday, deems his double century against England-A in the 2004 Duleep Trophy as his career's best moment.

Published : Jul 30, 2019 23:56 IST , Hyderabad

Former cricketer Venugopal Rao
Former cricketer Venugopal Rao
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Former cricketer Venugopal Rao

Former India middle-order batsman, Y. Venugopal Rao, who announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Tuesday, says he owes a lot in his career to MRF (Chennai).

“Being there with MRF, I had the chance of facing some of the best fast bowlers in the nets and this helped me improve a lot as a batsman,” says Venu in a chat with Sportstar . “I am still associated with MRF even after two decades and I am really grateful to them,” he added.

Venugopal Rao played for India in 16 ODIs and featured in 65matches for Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Daredevilsin the Indian Premier League.

READ : Venugopal Rao announces retirement from all forms of cricket

“I am also grateful to the IPL franchisee owners of Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Daredevils for giving me that kind of platform and especially to VVS Laxman who is like my elder brother,” he added.

“Well, one day it (cricketing career) has to come to an end. Right now, not sure what I can do post-retirement,” Venu said to a query.

“Definitely, the double century against England-A in the 2004 Duleep Trophy match was the best moment of my life for it gave me the kind of recognition I was looking for then and pushed my case for a slot in Indian team,” he said.

“I have no regrets and clearly enjoyed my long cricketing career for which I am grateful to the Andhra Cricket Association,” Venu said.

“See, coming such a small place like Gajuwaka in Visakhapatnam and go on to play for the country is a journey in which I trusted myself which I cherish forever,” he said.

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