Navjot Singh Sidhu, popularly known as 'Sherry' announced his
retirement from all forms of cricket at Chandigarh on Thursday. The
gutsy opener from Punjab addressed a press conference at the Punjab
Cricket Association (PCA) office and announced that he would not play
any further cricket, not even exhibition matches. Sidhu said that his
retirement was not provoked by any particular incident and that he had
"no regrets."
Sidhu made his debut in international cricket in the third Test
against the West Indies in Ahmedabad in November 1983. Since then he
commanded the opening spot, though he was also comfortable at No 3, at
which position he enjoyed a prolific run in the 1987 World Cup. In 51
Test matches, Sidhu made 3202 runs at an average of over 42. His 201
at Port of Spain against the West Indies in 1997 will be remembered
for a long time to come. The innings against the bowling of Walsh and
Ambrose was a testimony to his guts and determination. In the shorter
version of the game he made 4413 runs at an average of close to
40. Sidhu remembers his 134 scored against England at Gwalior on March
24, 1993, an innings he recalled as his greatest moment in cricket.
Sidhu was noncommittal when asked about the many controversies that
plagued his career. He returned from India's 1996 tour of England
after a misunderstanding with the then captain Mohammad Azharuddin. He
said that he "would like to bury the past, there is no ill will
against anyone, Azhar is a good cricketer" and that he would like to
"carry the burden of the misunderstanding rather than blame anyone."
This attitude typified Sidhu's approach to the game. When asked about
his future plans, Sidhu said that he rarely thought about the past or
the future. However he added that he would like to whatever he could
to "uplift the cricket of youngsters" in the country.
Sidhu was easily India's most consistent and stable opener after Sunil
Gavaskar. A forthright man, Sidhu was well liked by fans wherever he
toured. In closing, Sidhu said that playing for India was the
"greatest honour." He also thanked the PCA and the Board of Control
for Cricket in India for everything they had done for him. Sidhu
dedicated his lifetime achievement in cricket to his father.
If the Indian cricket administration is wise, it will salute Sidhu and
draw from his vast experience in some way. How Sidhu will stay in
touch with the game to which he gave so much remains to be seen.