Bangalore, Jun 22 (The Hindu): A journey that started in the remote North Karnataka town of Gadag and that which was embellished by consistent cricketing exploits over two decades drew to a close at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Thursday night.

Sunil Joshi, who was Karnataka’s eternal go-to man since his debut in 1992, retired from international and first-class cricket amidst a groundswell of warmth and respect.

The left-arm spinner’s former team-mates both at the State and National level — Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, Rahul Dravid — flanked him on either side while one of his first Karnataka coaches Roger Binny also graced the dais.

Through a glittering career that had tenacity as its consistent theme, Joshi stacked up incredible numbers. The 42-year old, played 15 Tests (41 wickets) and 69 ODIs (69) during an international stint that lasted from 1996 to 2001.

Talking about the highlights of his career Joshi rated, “the five for six against South Africa and the Ranji Trophy final victory against Madhya Pradesh after conceding the first innings lead,” as the best.

His legacy, however, was largely built through his contribution to Karnataka cricket till his last game in 2011.

Karnataka’s highest wicket-taker with 615 first-class scalps and the holder of the record for having represented the State in maximum Ranji Trophy games — 117, Joshi’s legend is bound to grow in the coming years.

“I used to board the 3.30 a.m. Gol Gumbaz Express at Gadag and head to Hubli daily for practice and that has helped me to now stand here. Now it is time to go on another journey (coaching), unscripted but still full of hope,” Joshi said and thanked his family, peers, coaches, ground-staff and also stressed his gratitude to Bishan Singh Bedi.

Joshi, who coached Hyderabad to a Ranji quarterfinal berth last season, said that he is open to guide the Karnataka team.

“My heart belongs here,” he said while his wife Ravneet and son Aryan sprung a surprise and gifted him a coffee table book that featured his career and the KSCA honoured him with a memento.