Ajit Agarkar has announced his retirement from first-class cricket

Ajit Agarkar has announced his retirement from first-class cricket. Agarkar took charge of the Mumbai unit in 2012, after leading them in the ODIs and T20s in 2011.

After leading the bowling attack for a considerable period, Agarkar feels Mumbai still has a good bench strength for the future.

"I am sure Mumbai still has a good bench strength. Zak (Zaheer Khan) being there will be a big boost. Dhawal (Kulkarni) is there so is (Abhishek) Nayar. I think we still have a decent attack," Agarkar told The Indian Express.

Agarkar, who represented the country in 26 Tests and 191 ODIs, never thought of playing the game for so long.

"I never thought I will play so long. 100 first-class games, so many Test matches and ODIs," said Agarkar.

The seamer, who will turn 36 in a couple of months, said it would have been unfair on youngsters had he stretched his career for a few more years.

"I am 35 and there is no motivation left for me anymore. I could have stretched my career for a few more years but I thought it will be unfair on youngsters. I am not training as I used to as things get difficult once you pass a certain age," Agarkar added.

Mumbai did considerably well under Agarkar's leadership and went on to win the Ranji title last season. Zaheer Khan is now likely to lead Mumbai in what will be Sachin Tendulkar's last Ranji Trophy match.

BCCI congratulates

"Ajit Agarkar served India with distinction for nearly a decade. On behalf of the BCCI, I congratulate him on a fine career, and wish him all the best for the future," N Srinivasan said in a statement issued by the BCCI.

"Ajit Agarkar did his best with bat and ball, every time he set foot on a cricket field. He had a memorable 'first innings,' and hopefully his 'second innings' will be as eventful. To him, I would like to say, "Well played, Ajit!," said Sanjay Patel, Hony. Secretary, BCCI.