Gujarat-Born New Zealand Cricketer Jeet Raval Bids Farewell To Cricket At 38

Gujarat-born former New Zealand cricketer Jeet Raval has announced his retirement ahead of the 2026-27 season, bringing the curtain down on an 18-year first-class career in which he scored 10,432 runs.

The 38-year-old left-handed batter represented New Zealand in 24 Test matches after making his international debut in 2016. Having last played for the national side in 2020, Raval has now decided to step away from the game after years away from international cricket.

‘It Was My Father’s Dream Too’: Jeet Raval

Speaking to the Northern Districts Cricket Association about his retirement, Raval described representing New Zealand as a childhood dream that he shared with his father.

“It is an honour and a privilege for me to take this decision. I am feeling very good right now. My childhood dream was to play for New Zealand and I look back on those days with great pride,” he said.

He added that the ambition was not his alone, as his father had also dreamed of seeing him play for New Zealand. The family moved to the country to give him the opportunity to pursue that goal.

From Ahmedabad To New Zealand Cricket

Born in Ahmedabad in September 1988, Raval studied at Vidyanagar School, where he played alongside former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel during his childhood. He also represented Gujarat at the Under-15 and Under-17 levels.

In 2004, at the age of 16, Raval moved to Auckland with his family. He made his first-class debut for Auckland in December 2008 and announced his potential with a score of 256 in his third match.

His performances eventually earned him a place in New Zealand’s national team.

A 24-Test Career With New Zealand

Raval made his Test debut against Pakistan in 2016, scoring 55 in the first innings. He went on to play 24 Tests for New Zealand, scoring 1,143 runs in 39 innings at an average of 30.07.

His Test record includes one century and seven half-centuries. His final international appearance came against Australia in Sydney in 2020.

Over 10,400 Runs In First-Class Cricket

While his international career lasted four years, Raval built an extensive record in domestic first-class cricket. Across 164 matches, he scored 10,432 runs at an average of 37.66.

His first-class tally includes 24 centuries and 50 half-centuries, reflecting his consistency across nearly two decades in the longer format.

Raval’s retirement marks the end of a career that began in Gujarat and took him to the international stage with New Zealand, fulfilling a lifelong ambition shared with his father.