Aakash Chopra opines that Trent Boults retirement from international cricket appears premature. The New Zealand leftarm pacer has declared that he will no longer don the national jersey following the Kiwis exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Trent Boult was New Zealand’s most successful bowler in the present T20 World Cup, taking nine wickets at an average of 6.55 and an economy rate of 3.68 across four games. He has taken 317 wickets in 78 Tests and 294 in 175 international white-ball matches.
Aakash Chopra revealed in a YouTube video that Boult’s retirement had left him heartbroken.
“Trent Boult has said that he won’t play. I was heartbroken. He is 34 years old and if you have seen him bowl, whether in this World Cup or the IPL, you don’t feel at all that this guy should go now. He has taken 317 Test wickets, which means he was the cornerstone of New Zealand’s fast bowling – (Tim) Southee at one end and Trent Boult with him.”
Aakash Chopra
However, the former India opener noted that he understood the financial reasons why the formidable new-ball bowler may have accepted the invitation.
“He has gone early and we need to understand why he has gone early. You don’t get much money through the central contract or while playing for New Zealand. If you see their cricket, their team does so well, plays (wins) the WTC final, but still plays a two-match Test series because no broadcaster puts in money there.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra emphasized that everyone must provide for themselves and their families. He stated that as a quick bowler, he couldn’t have played beyond 40.
“We are not at all in a position to say that you are doing wrong” – Aakash Chopra on Trent Boult’s decision
Aakash Chopra observed that affluent Indian cricketers cannot complain about Trent Boult’s decision.
“It’s a part of the changing landscape. Don’t forget that there are many countries where once you become former cricketers, no matter how big they are, some live a life of luxury but others have to work hard, unlike me. I am a 10-Test-match guy but since we are Indian and Indian cricket’s ecosystem is so good, the house is managed easily. We are not at all in a position to say that you are doing wrong.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator noted that Kane Williamson’s refusal to sign a central contract is a significant step.
“Kane Williamson has also taken an important step. He has become the first captain to refuse a central contract. He used to captain all three formats and do it very well, used to take the team forward and make it qualify and reach the final, but he is done. If Kane Williamson, who is part of the Fab Four has made this decision, you know which way the water is flowing – big news.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra pointed out that Kane Williamson has not retired from international cricket, but rather declined a contract so that he may opt out of future games. He went on to say that the New Zealand batting great will be able to play in competitions such as the IPL even if the Kiwis are playing a series at the time.
