Maharashtra's highest wicket-taker bowler in Ranji announces retirement - Cricket Winner

Samad Fallah, a name synonymous with consistency and perseverance in Indian domestic cricket, has announced his retirement. As Maharashtra’s highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy, Fallah’s career is a testament to hard work and dedication. With 272 Ranji wickets for Maharashtra and 287 first-class wickets overall, his legacy is firmly etched in the annals of Indian cricket.

Early life & Career beginnings

Samad Fallah’s journey to professional cricket was anything but conventional. Unlike many of his peers, he never played representative age-group cricket. Instead, his early cricketing days were spent in tennis-ball tournaments, where his talent caught the eye of club scouts. His transition to club cricket marked the beginning of a remarkable career.

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Maharashtra bebut and early impact

Fallah made his debut for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy at the age of 22 in November 2007. He made an immediate impact, picking up a match-winning six-wicket haul in the second innings against Himachal Pradesh. This performance set the tone for his career, establishing him as a reliable wicket-taker for Maharashtra.

From his debut season onwards, Fallah became a cornerstone of Maharashtra’s bowling attack. He consistently took 20-plus wickets in every Ranji season from 2007-08 to 2014-15, showcasing his ability to lead the attack and deliver under pressure.

Retirement Announcement

At the age of 39, Samad Fallah has made his retirement official. He currently serves as the head coach of Nashik Titans in the Maharashtra Premier League, where he continues to mentor young cricketers and share his vast experience.

Fallah’s last official match was a Vijay Hazare Trophy game for Uttarakhand in March 2021. Despite his efforts to make a comeback with Maharashtra, he did not get another chance to play at the top level. His contributions, however, remained significant off the field.

Peak years and major achievements

The peak of Fallah’s career saw him leading Maharashtra to the Ranji Trophy final in the 2013-14 season and the semi-finals in 2014-15. One of his standout performances came in the semi-final against Bengal in January 2014, where he took 7 for 58 on the first morning, helping to bowl Bengal out for just 114 runs.

Fallah’s contributions were pivotal in Maharashtra’s only senior-level silverware since 1940-41. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final in March 2010, Fallah’s four-wicket haul was instrumental in securing the title for Maharashtra, highlighting his ability to perform in crucial matches.

Stats and Records

Fallah’s career stats are impressive:

• Ranji Trophy: 272 wickets at an average of 28.48
• First-class: 287 wickets in 78 matches
• List A: 75 wickets
• T20: 62 wickets

Challenges and setbacks

Despite his success, Fallah faced several challenges, especially towards the latter part of his career. After moving to Uttarakhand for the 2020-21 season, he returned to Maharashtra but did not get opportunities to resume his career. These setbacks did not deter him, and he continued to contribute to the game in other capacities.