Former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar announces retirement from competitive cricket

Former India off-spinner Ramesh Powar retired on Tuesday from competitive cricket, bringing down curtains on his distinguished 15-year old domestic career.

The 37-year-old Powar had briefly donned national colours in the early and middle part of last decade, playing 2 Tests and 31 ODIs.

Powar took six wickets in two Tests -- both against Bangladesh while he was relatively better in the shorter format with his fast off-breaks yielding 34 scalps. But he was a stalwart for Mumbai as his 442 first-class wickets are a testimony.

He formed a potent spin attack with Sairaj Bahutule during those years when Mumbai won multiple Ranji Trophies. Poor fitness and weight problems were impediments towards finding a permanent slot in the team.

Also, his best years coincided with the presence of Harbhajan Singh. Powar during the end of his career played for Rajasthan and Gujarat as a professional. "I have tried to be an honest servant of the game that I love most. I would like to be associated with the game in any capacity," Powar, who will be playing in Masters Champions League, said.