Bhubaneswar: Former Ranji player Natraj Behera, one of the finest cricketers Odisha has ever produced has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Monday.
In a letter to the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), he attributed his decision to underperformance and fitness issues.
“The OCA had high expectations from me. I have not been able to perform well for the last several months. There are some fitness issues too. I have informed the OCA about my retirement in a letter,” Natraj stated.
Natraj Bhuban Behera born 28 May 1988 in the Steel city of Rourkela, is the captain of Odisha cricket team.
Under his able leadership East Zone won its first Duleep Trophy championship of 2011-12 defeating Central Zone. Next year East Zone repeated the same by winning the Duleep Trophy for the second time in a row by defeating West Zone. With the highest score of 255, he has scored eight centuries and 11 half-centuries in his cricketing career.
When asked about his future plans, the elegant batsman said, “I will do my best for the betterment of the OCA if given any responsibility”.