NAGPUR: The face of Vidarbha cricket for over a decade. The opener who blunted rival new-ball attacks for as long as one can remember. The elegant left-hander who scripted victories and saved matches with his bat more often than not. The skipper who took his team to the top of the domestic circuit twice, will walk out on to the field at a match for the last time on Monday.
Faiz Fazal, Vidarbha's most successful captain, on Sunday announced his retirement from domestic cricket. Monday, Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy match against Haryana at the VCA Civil Lines Stadium, will mark the end of an illustrious career spanning over two decades.
"Faiz bhai informed us about the decision during the team huddle on Day 1 of the Haryana match. It took us all by surprise. It was an honour to play with him," Faiz's Vidarbha colleague told TOI.
The Fazal household, though, was discussing and debating the retirement issue for a long time. "It was being discussed since the end of last domestic season. His father, Yakub, who shaped Faiz's career, wasn't happy with the decision. He is more passionate about Faiz than the cricketer himself," a family member said.
On Sunday, the two teams - Vidarbha and Haryana - lined up a guard of honour as Faiz Fazal walked out to bat one last time for Vidarbha at the VCA Civil Lines Stadium.
It was akin to life coming full circle for the 38-year-old Faiz. It was December 17, 2003, when a lean 18-year-old Faiz made 151 on his Ranji Trophy debut at the same ground. After a brief move to Railways, Faiz came back to the Vidarbha fold. A lone One-Day International appearance, and IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals followed, along with piles of runs in the domestic circuit season after season.
"Representing the Vidarbha cricket team has been a tremendous honour and privilege, and I am immensely grateful for the experiences and memories that I have accumulated over the years. However, as I reflect on my career and personal aspirations, I feel compelled to explore new opportunities and avenues beyond professional cricket. This decision has not been easy, but I am confident that it is the right step for my personal and professional growth," Faiz said in a statement issued by VCA.
Faiz helmed the team that scripted the golden chapter of Vidarbha cricket. He led Vidarbha to Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup triumphs in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Faiz, along with coach Chandrakant Pandit, transformed Vidarbha from the underdogs to a force to reckon with in the domestic circuit.
During the back-to-back triumphs, Faiz played many memorable knocks as Vidarbha remained unbeaten across the two seasons. Vidarbha's highest First Class run scorer holds the one against Kerala in January 2019 close to his heart.
The Ranji Trophy semifinal, played on a green top in Wayanad, finished just after lunch on Day 2. Faiz scored a masterly 75 on a pitch where other batters struggled for survival.
With his resolute batting, Faiz was marked as a prodigious talent during his junior cricket days. He was included in the India squad, as an opener along with Shikhar Dhawan, for the Under-19 World Cup in 2004. An unfortunate injury, though, ruled him out of the tournament.
Faiz had to wait for the India cap for the next 12 years. He scored an unbeaten 55 in his debut One-Day International against Zimbabwe, but the selectors never gave him another chance.
ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER
Captained Vidarbha to back-to-back Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup triumphs
Highest run scorer for Vidarbha in First Class cricket
Scored 9,183 runs in 137 FC matches at an average of 41.36 with 24 centuries and 39 fifties
Represented Vidarbha in 108 Ranji matches, scoring 7,693 runs
Scored 3,641 runs in 113 List A matches with 10 centuries and 22 fifties
