Sachin Tendulkar retires from one-day cricket with India
Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Record-breaking India batsman Sachin Tendulkar has retired from one-day international cricket.
In a statement, the 39-year-old said: "I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup-winning Indian team."
The 'Little Master' made his one-day debut in 1989 and collected 463 caps.
He excelled in the 50-over format and became the world's top run-scorer with 18,426 at an average of 44.83, including a record 49 centuries.
His last one-day international game was in the Asia Cup on 18 March, in which he scored 52 in a six-wicket win against Pakistan.
His form has dipped in recent years, however, and his average in one-day cricket in 2012 fell to 31.5, a figure that was boosted by a knock of 114 in his penultimate innings against lesser lights Bangladesh which was his 100th on the international stage.
Tendulkar added: "The preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015 should begin early and in right earnest. 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."
Tendulkar, who made himself unavailable for India's Twenty20 matches after playing just one game in 2006, has faced calls to retire from all international competition from former national captain Sourav Ganguly after several poor performances with the bat in the recent Test series against England.
Tendulkar's 23-year ODI career, which began with ducks in his first two appearances, included his becoming the first batsman to score a double century in that form of the game against South Africa two years ago, while he was the top scorer in the 2003 World Cup where India were losing finalists.
He then excelled in India's successful 2011 World Cup campaign, scoring two centuries and averaging 48.2 in the tournament as co-hosts India won the final in his home city of Mumbai against Sri Lanka.
India spinner Harbhajan Singh saluted his colleague on Twitter: "Sachin Tendulkar, a great batsman. Great human being. A great friend. Great man to look up to. Proud Indian. Real son of India. I salute you and love you."
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But's lets pay homage to a great man, only 5'5. Part of golden generation that's come to an end. Basically the great one.
The man is a genius and has shown complete and utter class over the past 23 years! The word legend has never been better used!
I understand you admire and praise the skills & achievements of Sachin Tendulkar, but your comments are ridiculous and grossly exaggerated. No doubt Tendulkar was the best ODI player and his feats will be difficult to match by future players.
Quintetuk
I have to say what a legend you are and a the best batsman we have ever seen in our lifetime! Good Bye to the little master Sachin
From a Pakistan fan
Truly the little maestro. So long Sachin & thanks for all the fish.
He has performed much better in recent times in the shorter format of the game. Also given the length of tests, five days is too much a burden on a player of his advancing years.
Most daft comment ever! Tendulkar has been a great player, but comparing him to the sun? Calling him a God? Ridiculous.
People need to set their priorities right!
Truly a great of the game that'll never be forgotten. Marks the end of a great era of Indian cricket. Shame, but all good things have to come to an end.
Watching him play and having had the privilege of meeting him can only say thanks for the memories.
Sublime at his best there was no greater sense of occasion then to watch him make a 100 all the best.