Murali Vijay retires from international cricket: "The most wonderful years of my life"

Vijay, 38, released a statement on Monday (January 30) in which he said he would be looking to explore "new opportunities in the world of cricket and the business side of it"

Sam Morshead | 31/01/2023 at 03:41

Murali Vijay has announced his formal retirement from international career, more than four years since he last played for India.

Vijay, 38, released a statement on Monday (January 30) in which he said he would be looking to explore "new opportunities in the world of cricket and the business side of it".

The batsman played 61 Tests, 17 ODIs and nine T20Is for his country after his debut in 2008. His last appearance came in a Test against Australia in December 2018.

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^{Murali Vijay played 87 times for India across formats [Getty Images]}

"I will also continue to participate in the sport that I love and challenge myself in new and different environments," he said.

"I believe this is the next step in my journey as a cricketer and I look forward to the new chapter in my life."

MURALI VIJAY: INTERNATIONAL STATS

Tests: 61 matches, 3,982 runs (ave 38.28), 12 100s, HS 167

ODIs: 17 matches, 339 runs (ave 21.18), HS 72

T20Is: 9 matches, 169 runs (s/r 109.74), HS 48

"My journey from 2002-2018 has been the most wonderful years of my life. It was an honour representing India at the highest level of sport."

Vijay scored 12 Test centuries and averaged more than 38 in red-ball cricket for India, with a best return of 167.