WITH 105 First-Class matches and a whopping 344 wickets, Vidarbha off-spinner felt it’s time to go on a high as he announced his retirement from cricket on the day when his side claimed third Ranji title defeating Kerala on the basis of first innings lead at VCA Jamtha Stadium on Sunday. Though Wakhare was part of the 17-member squad, he was not picked in playing XI for the summit clash with the selectors and team management putting faith on two young let-arm spinners in young Harsh Dubey, tournament’s highest wicket taker with 69 scalps, and newcomer Parth Rekhade. Wakhare, who made his debut against the same side in 2006 at Pallakad, decided to call it quits as he felt that the Vidarbha’s spin department is “in good hands now.”

 

The lanky offie was part of the two previous title wining Vidarbha teams. He was part of 2017-18 and 2018-19 teams which were led by Faiz Fazal. “I am very happy for Akshay. The way he played his cricket and what he has given for Vidarbha is immense. I am sure he would continue to fetch success in his life ahead. All the best to him. He was part on my teams which won the first two Ranji titles. And calling it quits on this big day (another Ranji title) is the right time,” Fazal, who was present at the ground to watch Vidarbha lift the title, said. The 39-year-old finger spinner Wakhare was once the mainstay of Vidarbha bowling and paired up with Aditya Sarvate, who now plays for Kerala, to win many a battle for the side.

 

With former spinner Pritam Gandhe at the helm, Wakhare had to wait for his turn. But once Gandhe retired, Wakhare cemented his place in the Vidarbha squad. “It was a great journey. I am at peace with my decision. This was the right time to retire..... retire on a high with third Ranji title,” Wakhare said after the match. Wakhare became the fourth Vidarbha cricketer to play 100 First-Class matches after Faiz Fazal (138), Umesh Yadav (124, including Test matches) and Gandhe (100). His 13 for 162 against Karnataka in the 2017 semi-final was his best performance till date while he has taken five wickets in an innings on 21 occasions at an average of 28.42. Wakhare said he has not yet decided what’s next for him after cricket. “I have not yet decided about future.

 

At the moment I would like to take rest and be with my family,” he added. Wakhare said he will not be playing as a pro for any side in coming years. “Not at all. I have not thought about playing for any side as a pro. Neither I will take up coaching job in near future,” the spinner who has played 11 Duleep Trophy matches, said. Wakhare’s former captain Faiz Fazal, under whose leadership Vidarbha had won the Ranji Trophy twice, played tributes to Wakhare. “He is one of the best off-spinners in the country. He bowled his heart out for Vidarbha. I couldn’t have asked for more as a captain. I wish him all the best,” Fazal said. Wakhare was felicitated by VCA with a silver salver by VCA President, Justice Vinay M Deshpande (former judge of the Bombay High Court). Secretary, Sanjay Badkas, Treasurer CA Arjun Phatak, Joint-Secretary Gautam Kale, CADC Chairman Prashant Vaidya and a host of other VCA officials were also present.