Goan cricketer Harshad Gadekar has called it a day on his First Class career, which began against Haryana in November 2007, in Margao.
The Right-arm medium-pacer who also had a decent batting potential, took 67 wickets in 23 Ranji Trophy matches with 5/33 being his best bowling performance in an innings. With the bat in his hands, Harshad scored 326 runs in 27 innings with 95 being his highest contribution. He remained not out on 15 occasions.
With night-watchman Harshad putting on a stunning resistance on his way to a brave 95-run knock, Goa managed to salvage a draw against Maharashtra at Pune in 2013.
When fully fit, Harshad was a very aggressive bowler with immaculate length that he bowled and posed a tough challenge to the top-order batters. However, he suffered injuries in the latter part of his career and it took a toll on his pace.
Harshad, who is now almost 37 years old, played his last Ranji Trophy match against Hyderabad in 2016 in Nagpur.
Harshad played 21 List A matches with his last outing coming in 2021 against Gujarat in Surat. He picked up 28 wickets in the limited overs format of the game. With 19 wickets in 14 T20 matches to his name, the gentlemanly all-rounder retires with a total of 114 wickets in his bag.
Goa Cricket Association in a statement on Tuesday paid tribute to Harshad. “He has exhibited exemplary sportsmanship, dedication, and talent, making him an inspiration to many aspiring cricketers. The Goa Cricket Association acknowledges his significant contributions to the sport and his unwavering commitment to representing the state at the national level. On behalf of the Goa Cricket Association and the entire cricketing community, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Harshad Gadekar for the countless moments of joy and pride he has provided us over the years. His performances on the field have been a source of immense pride for all cricket enthusiasts in Goa…His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers in Goa.”
