Virat Kohli’s U19 World Cup-winning teammate retires from cricket, joins SBI

Siddharth Kaul, a key member of India’s triumphant 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup team, recently announced his retirement from Indian cricket on December 3. The 34-year-old fast bowler, who represented India in three ODIs and three T20Is during the 2018-19 season, shared the news on social media. A prominent figure in domestic cricket, Kaul has now transitioned to a new role with the State Bank of India (SBI), a development he also revealed on X (formerly Twitter).

“The time has now come to call time on my career in India and announce my retirement,” wrote Kaul on X.

“I want to thank God for the path that has been made for me; the fans for the endless support; my parents and family for the sacrifices and confidence you have given me, especially during the injuries and lows. My teammates over the years for the dressing room memories and friendships; the BCCI for fulfilling a young child’s dream to represent India and win the 2008 Under-19 World Cup and receive my T20i and ODI caps in 2018,” (sic) he said.

As per the post, he is currently employed at SBI branch at Sector 17, Chandigarh.

Kaul was part of the celebrated U-19 squad led by Virat Kohli, which included notable names like Ravindra Jadeja, Manish Pandey, Pradeep Sangwan, and Saurabh Tiwary. Over his domestic career, Kaul played 88 First-Class matches for Punjab, taking 297 wickets. In 111 List A games, he claimed 199 wickets, and in 145 T20 matches, he secured another 182 dismissals.

Kaul holds the distinction of being the leading wicket-taker in both the Vijay Hazare Trophy (155 wickets) and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (120 wickets in 87 matches). In the Indian Premier League, he represented multiple teams, including Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

“(I want to thank) Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL franchises for giving me memories of a lifetime; and last but not least, the @pcacricketassociation for giving me an opportunity to make my First Class debut in 2007 and supporting me throughout my career,” he added.

Kaul’s final competitive match was a Ranji Trophy game for Punjab against Haryana in Rohtak earlier this month. While stepping away from Indian cricket, he remains open to playing in overseas leagues, marking a new chapter in his cricketing journey.