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Vikram Rathour retires

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI NOV. 5. Former Test opener Vikram Rathour formally announced his retirement from first-class cricket, stating he had no regrets at all as he bid good-bye to Indian cricket, having decided to migrate to England.

Rathour flies to London on Thursday to set up business in hardware products. As he said "from scoring runs I'll be selling hammers.''

Rathour, one of the most dignified and articulate cricketers, served Punjab with distinction in a career which began in 1988. Five years later, Rathour was a proud member of the team, which won the Ranji Trophy for the first time ever under the guidance of coach Bishan Singh Bedi. "That was my finest moment,'' recalled Rathour.

Rathour, known for his pleasant demeanour, had a disappointing Test career, scoring 131 runs in ten innings and six matches with a highest of 44 in his last appearance against South Africa at The Wanderers.

"Unfortunately I never got a good start which is so essential. I was always on trial and it wasn't easy to play under pressure all the time. But I enjoyed my cricket and have no regrets at all. I'm proud to say that I played cricket the way it should be played,'' said the soft-spoken Rathour.

An elegant batsman, who kept wickets in the early stages of his career, Rathour aggregated 11,473 runs in first-class cricket with 33 centuries. He also played seven one-day internationals, hitting two half centuries in seven innings. His first-class career average of 49.66 speaks for Rathour's consistency.

Reflecting on his career, Rathour said: "I would've loved to be more successful. I worked hard and always tried my best but somehow success eluded me at the international level. I wish I knew the answers. But it's a good feeling to know that some people still thought of me.''

He almost staged a comeback to the Indian team two years ago when the team management insisted on his inclusion as a wicketkeeper-batsman.

Rathour was considered a good prospect for the 2003 World Cup but the move did not materialise despite the backing of skipper Sourav Ganguly and his deputy Rahul Dravid.

Rathour played for Himachal Pradesh last season. "I just wanted to help build up the team,'' said Rathour, who was respected for his efforts to help aspiring youngsters. "I thank the Punjab Cricket Association for its support. It's one of the finest associations in the country. I thank the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association for giving me the opportunity to serve the game.''

Rathour, 34, will continue to play minor club cricket in the Huddersfield league.

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