May 27, 2025 : Veteran Gujarat opener Priyank Panchal, a stalwart of Indian domestic cricket, has officially retired from all formats of the game, bringing to an end a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades.
In a heartfelt farewell note, Panchal expressed deep gratitude to his fans, teammates, and especially his family, while recalling the profound influence of his late father on his cricketing journey.
“It’s an emotional moment. It’s an enriching moment. And it’s a moment which fills me with a lot of gratitude,” Panchal wrote on social media. “Many of you talk fondly about wanting to see me in India colours. It’s with this steadfast motivation that I continued my journey till now.”
Though he never broke into the senior Indian team, Panchal remained a consistent performer for India A, often captaining the side and guiding younger talents. His most iconic season came in 2016–17, when he amassed 1,310 runs in the Ranji Trophy, including a historic triple century (314)* — the first ever by a Gujarat batter in the tournament.
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That season also saw Gujarat lift their maiden Ranji Trophy title, with Panchal playing a pivotal role.
A Stellar Domestic Record
Panchal’s impressive statistics underscore his reliability and class:
- 127 First-Class matches: 8,856 runs at an average of 45.18, including 29 centuries and 34 half-centuries
- 97 List A matches: 3,672 runs at 40.80 with eight centuries
- 59 T20 matches: 1,522 runs
He was also a key figure in Gujarat’s white-ball triumphs, including victories in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (2015–16) and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (2012–13 and 2013–14).
A Tribute to His Father
In his note, Panchal offered a moving tribute to his late father, whom he credited as the primary source of inspiration throughout his career.
“My dad was a long-lasting source of strength for me… He encouraged me to pursue my dreams, to rise from a relatively small city and dare to aspire to wear the India cap one day.”
He added, “Though he left us long ago, it was a dream I carried with me for nearly two decades.”
Gratitude to Family
Panchal thanked his mother and sister for standing by him through the highs and lows:
“They saw the glitter in my eyes when I sweated it out in the scorching summers of Ahmedabad… They lifted me up when I felt like I was sinking and gave me the buoyancy to fly when I did well.”
He also acknowledged his wife and in-laws, noting the love and companionship he found in them.
“I found a partner who understood me—my strengths, weaknesses, joys, fears, dreams—everything above and beyond.”
Tributes from the Cricketing Fraternity
Anil Patel, Secretary of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), lauded Panchal for his contributions:
“Priyank has donned the national colours for India A as captain and was a prolific run-scorer for Gujarat for more than 17 years. We thank him for his commitment and congratulate him on a fantastic career.”
As Panchal closes the chapter on his playing career, he leaves behind a legacy marked by consistency, humility, and passion. His story remains a source of inspiration for countless young cricketers from small towns with big dreams.