Dinesh Mongia retires from all forms of cricket

Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Mongia, on Tuesday, announced retirement from all forms of cricket. The left-handed batsman, who was a part India's World Cup squad in 2003, marked his last appearance on a cricket field in 2007 for Punjab before he was banned by the BCCI for joining the ICL. While the Board had revoked the bans later and permitted several players to play for the national team, Dinesh Mongia remained disconnected with the game.

The 42-year-old debuted for India in 2001 when the Men in blue had taken on Australia in an ODI at the Nehru Stadium. Mongia had formed the headlines when he was chosen over VVS Laxman for India's World Cup squad in 2003, which eventually ended up as the runners-up of the tournament.

The man from Punjab went on to represent India in 57 ODIs, accounting for 1230 runs at an average of 27.95. The southpaw also played for India in a solitary T20 International against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium in 2006. He last donned the blue jersey in 2007 when India had locked horns with Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

In 121 first-class matches, Mongia made 21 centuries. He also played for Lancashire and Leicestershire in English County Cricket.

Last season, Mongia had assumed the role of a State selector as designated by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA).