Why are Indian cricket players announcing their retirement too early?

The domestic cricket circuit has long served as a crucial platform for players to showcase their talent and prove their worth. While some players, after excelling at this level, have gone on to establish iconic careers with the national team, there are others who, despite consistent performances, have struggled to break into the squad. Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair are prime examples of such players. Both have delivered remarkable performances in domestic cricket, yet have found it difficult to secure a permanent spot in the Indian team, highlighting the intense competition for places.

Another cricketer who fits this description is Mandeep Singh, a talented batter who made his India debut back in 2016. Despite his promise and ability, Mandeep has only been able to feature in three T20Is for the national side. Over the years, the 33-year-old has found himself off the selectors’ radar, with his chances of a recall dwindling. However, that hasn’t stopped Mandeep from delivering impressive performances in domestic cricket, where he continues to be a key player for his state side, Punjab. His consistent displays in domestic tournaments have earned him recognition, even if he’s not been able to translate those into regular international appearances. While his journey with India may not have unfolded as hoped, Mandeep remains a valuable asset in the domestic circuit, showcasing his undying commitment to the game.

While some players have decided to retire early, feeling their chances of playing for India have passed, Mandeep Singh continues to perform consistently at the domestic level. The Punjab-born cricketer, who now represents Tripura, has not given up on his aspirations of making a return to the national side. Recently, Mandeep opened up about the growing trend of early retirements in Indian cricket, suggesting that the rise of the IPL has played a significant role in this shift. According to Mandeep, the lucrative nature of the T20 league, coupled with its intense schedule, has created a situation where players find it difficult to balance international commitments and the demands of domestic cricket.

The financial rewards and the fame associated with the IPL often make it more appealing for cricketers to focus on the shorter formats rather than wait for a chance in the national team. For players like Mandeep, the desire to continue playing competitive cricket at the domestic level remains strong, but he acknowledged the challenges faced by those in the twilight of their careers. Despite these obstacles, Mandeep remains committed to his craft and continues to deliver solid performances for Tripura.

“I guess the IPL is a big factor. If you don’t have an IPL contract, your cricket career is virtually over. There are leagues for retired players where you can earn good money for 15-20-day tournaments. If you have played for India, you can easily make Rs 1 crore in a year. Maybe it is one of the reasons, or maybe the fire is not in them anymore,” Mandeep Singh told The Indian Express. 

Mandeep Singh’s IPL journey has seen him represent four franchises: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Punjab Kings (PBKS). His last appearance in the IPL came in 2023, where he played for KKR against DC. Despite limited opportunities in the T20 league, Mandeep has remained a consistent performer in domestic cricket. He has made significant contributions for Tripura, scoring 407 runs at an impressive average of 101.75 in the Ranji Trophy. 

In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Mandeep has also shown his quality, amassing 325 runs at an average of 54.16 in just six matches. These consistent performances have kept him relevant in the domestic circuit, even as he has struggled to break into the national team. Mandeep’s solid track record at the domestic level showcases his undying passion for the game and his ability to thrive in competitive cricket.