Indian-origin cricketer Jaskaran Malhotra, who became a cricket sensation in the USA, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. The news, shared by Malhotra on social media, marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the 34-year-old’s cricketing journey.
Malhotra, who hails from India, made a significant impact on the USA cricket scene after relocating there. Known for his explosive batting, Malhotra etched his name in the record books by becoming one of only four cricketers to hit six sixes in an over in international cricket. This extraordinary feat was achieved during an ODI against Papua New Guinea in Oman in 2021, where he hammered an unbeaten 173, a knock that included 16 sixes and four fours.
A Memorable Career with Challenges
Despite this historic performance, Malhotra struggled with consistency in the following matches. After his incredible innings against Papua New Guinea, he managed just one half-century in his next 11 ODIs, leading to his exclusion from the team. His last appearance in an ODI was against Namibia in 2022. His T20I career also faced ups and downs, with his final match in the format being against Papua New Guinea in the same year. He was notably absent from the USA squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, which was held in the United States and the Caribbean.
Records and Achievements
Malhotra’s 173-run knock against Papua New Guinea earned him several accolades. It stands as the second-highest individual score by a number seven batsman in ODIs, and his 16 sixes in that innings are the second-most in a single ODI innings.
Reflecting on his career, Malhotra shared a heartfelt message with his fans, expressing gratitude for the experiences and opportunities he had while representing the USA on the international stage.
“August 8th, 2024, marks the end of an incredible chapter in my cricketing journey. Four years ago, I made my international T20 debut for the USA in Dubai, with my dad proudly watching from the stands. Today, I announce my retirement from international cricket,” Malhotra wrote in his post.
“I’m grateful for the unforgettable memories, friendships, and experiences I’ve had representing USA Cricket. I thank all the coaches, support staff, and teammates who have supported me along the way. While I’ll continue to play in franchise leagues, my focus now shifts to giving back to the sport. I’m committed to helping young American cricketers achieve their dreams of playing for this great nation,” he added.
Looking Ahead
Although Malhotra’s international career has come to an end, he confirmed that he would remain active in franchise cricket. He also expressed his commitment to nurturing the next generation of American cricketers, aiming to help them realize their dreams of playing at the highest level.
Malhotra leaves behind a legacy that has inspired many in the USA cricketing community. His journey from India to making headlines on the global stage is a testament to his passion and dedication to the sport.
Jaskaran Malhotra’s International Career Stats
In his international career, Malhotra represented the United States in 18 ODIs, where he scored 429 runs at an average of over 30. In T20Is, he played 17 matches, contributing 267 runs to the team. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable journey, but his influence on American cricket will undoubtedly continue.
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