Veteran Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar has annuonced his retirement from ODI cricket.
Sunday’s announcement ended a prolific career that spanned as many 23 years, an unmatched 463 matches, a record-breaking 18,426 runs and a whopping 49 centuries.
The 39-year-old’s last ODI was against Pakistan during the Asia Cup in Dhaka earlier this year, when a typically solid half-century carried India to victory.
“I have decided to retire from the one-day format of the game. I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup winning Indian team. The preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015 should begin early and in right earnest,” Tendulkar said in a statement.
“I would like to wish the team all the very best for the future. I am eternally grateful to all my well wishers for their unconditional support and love over the years.”
The stalwart right-hander, who made his debut in 1989, made his decision before the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan and January’s five-match series at home to England.
Tendulkar struggled during the recent Test series against England, averaging just 18.66 in four fixtures, and a decision over his future had been mooted.
His statement indicated he still has an appetite to continue in Test cricket, though, despite speculation about his retirement from all forms of the international game.
