Sachin Tendulkar announces retirement from ODI format

Says preparations to defend World Cup in 2015 should begin early and in right earnest

Cricket fans, who were waiting to watch their God, Sachin Tendulkar, playing against India’s arch-rival Pakistan on Tuesday in Bangalore, got a rude shock on Sunday, when the 39-year old “Master Blaster” announced his retirement from the 50-over one-day international (ODI) format of the game.

The genius batsman, who has all the possible records under his belt, has bid adieu to the limited over format after a glorious 23 long years.

“I have decided to retire from the ODI 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.”

He made the announcement just ahead of the series against Pakistan, against whom he made his ODI debut way back in 1989.

Many cricket fans in India worship Tendulkar. For them, cricket is a religion and Sachin is their God. Cricinfo mentions in his profile that “... Tendulkar remains, by a distance, the most worshipped cricketer in the world”. In fact, during the Australian tour of India in 1998, Matthew Hayden had said: “I have seen God. He bats at no. 4 for India in Tests.” (Masterstroke)

Tendulkar has played 463 ODIs and made 18,426 runs, at an average of 44.83. The media-shy right-hand batsman has a record 49 centuries, including a double hundred. He also has 96 half-centuries in the format.

In March this year, he made his last ODI century against Bangladesh, which, incidentally, was also is 100th century in international cricket, a feat no one has achieved so far or are likely to anytime soon.

Though there was speculation over his retirement, Tendulkar had maintained he would play till there was cricket left in him. He had said to retire at the peak of the career would be a selfish move.

Tendulkar, who will now focus on Test matches, has an equally glorious record in the five-day format. He has made 15,645 runs in 194 Test matches, at an average of 54.32. This includes 51 tons and 66 half-centuries.

Sanjay Jagdale, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket In India, told reporters the decision was not sudden. “He informed us before the selection about his decision. He spoke to me and the president about his decision.”