MSK Prasad announces retirement

MSK Prasad, the former India wicketkeeper, has announced his retirement from all forms of the game. Prasad, who was appointed Andhra captain in 2007, played six Tests and 17 ODIs for India in which he effected a total of 36 dismissals as wicketkeeper.

Prasad, 33, said he wanted to step aside to give more chances to younger players in the Andhra squad. "I have been asked by the Andhra Cricket Association secretary V Chamundeswaranath to continue for one more season as the association has started taking innovative steps to give a new look to the sport," Prasad told the Hindu.

"Even though I am very thankful for the gesture, I felt that it was time to quit. And I don't have any regrets upon looking back.

"It was a huge honour to represent the country at the highest level, and especially being the first one to do so from Andhra. That too at a time when everyone gave very little chance for cricketers from the state to even represent the South Zone."

It was an injury to Nayan Mongia, following the 1999 World Cup that gave Prasad his big chance in the national side. In the 1999-2000 season he played in six Tests, three against New Zealand at home and three in Australia, acquitting himself creditably, besides playing in many ODIs. But he was dropped after a poor tour of Australia where he averaged 8.66 with the bat. In the seven seasons he played for Andhra following his exit from the national side, Prasad scored 2644 runs at 33.46.

Prasad hit his purple patch as a batsman-wicketkeeper in the 2002-03 season - scoring 754 runs, including two hundreds and five half-centuries, and effecting 32 dismissals from 11 matches - it was the only time in his career he averaged over 40 with the bat.