Photo via Hindustan Times

Born in Gujarat but represented New Zealand in 24 Tests, Jeet Raval bids adieu to professional cricket

Jeet Raval, the left-handed batsman born in Gujarat who represented New Zealand in 24 Test matches, has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 38. During his international career from 2016 to 2020, Raval scored 1,143 runs, including his final Test appearance in January 2020 against Australia.

His journey began in India, where he attended the same school in Gujarat as former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel before relocating to New Zealand to pursue his cricketing ambitions, fulfilling a lifelong dream shared with his father. Raval played 164 first-class matches across three New Zealand teams—Auckland, Central Stags, and Northern Districts—making his debut in 2008 against the West Indies and concluding his career in March this year in a match against his former team, Central Stags.

He also featured in county cricket for Yorkshire, showcasing his versatility across formats and regions.

Tributes poured in from the cricketing community, particularly from Central Stags, where Raval left a lasting impact. The team highlighted his contributions, including a record-breaking 321-run partnership with Jamie How in a List A match at Seddon Park, where he also scored his first List A century.

Raval’s final first-class game saw a touching farewell, with teammates and opponents honoring his career. His decision to retire was met with gratitude, as he reflected on the privilege of playing for New Zealand and the fulfillment of his childhood aspirations.

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