Murali Vijay retires from international cricket after 61 Tests and 3982 runs

Veteran India batter Murali Vijay called time on his international career at the age of 38. The Tamil Nadu stalwart announced his decision via a statement over Twitter on January 30, Monday.

Once a regular Test opener for India, Vijay had fallen out of favour after a string of poor knocks in the 2018 season. After scoring just a single Test century against Afghanistan in Bangalore, the Indian team management decided to drop Vijay after the second Test match in Australia.

One of the most stylish batters in the opening slots, Vijay scored 12 Test centuries and 15 half-centuries from 61 Tests. He amassed 3982 runs at an average of 38.28. The Tamil Nadu player also left his mark on the Indian Premier League while playing for Chennai Super Kings. The opener scored two centuries in IPL and amassed a total of 2619 runs at a strike rate of 121.87 from 106 matches.

The player wrote in his retirement note that his journey between 2002-2018 as a professional cricketer was the most wonderful years in his life and it was an honour to represent India at the highest level of the sport.

"I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by the BCCI, TNCA, CSK and Chemplast Sanmar," Vijay wrote.

"To all my teammates, coached, mentors and support staff: It has been an absolute privilege to have played with you all, and , I thank you all for helping turn my dream into reality," Vijay said.

The player thanked his family and said that he will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket and the business side of it, where he will continue to participate in different environments.