Indian batsman Murali Vijay announced his retirement from international cricket via social media. Over a 9-year career, Vijay played in 87 international games including 61 Tests, 17 One-Day Internationals and 9 T20s. He was a trusted opener for India and amassed 3982 runs in Tests with 12 centuries and 15 half-centuries to his name. Vijay's last appearance for India was in 2018 against Australia in Perth.
From 2013 to 2018, Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan formed a successful opening partnership in international cricket, compiling 1748 runs in 41 matches at an average of 43.70. This made them the third-highest run-scoring opening pair in India's Test cricket history, behind only Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir (4412 runs) and Chetan Chauhan and Sunil Gavaskar (3010 runs).
Vijay had standout performances abroad, including a 145 and 52 at Trent Bridge against England in 2014, and a 144 against Australia in Brisbane later that year.
Announcing his retirement, Vijay said: "Today, with immense gratitude & humility, I announce my retirement from all forms of International cricket.
"My journey from 2002-2018 has been the most wonderful years of my life for it was an honour representing India at the highest level of sport.
"To all my teammates, coaches, 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.
"To cricket fans that have supported me through the ups & downs of international sport, I will forever cherish the moments I spent with you all and your support has always be a source of motivation for me.
@BCCI @TNCACricket @IPL @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/ri8CCPzzWK
— Murali Vijay (@mvj888) January 30, 2023
"Lastly, I would like to thank my family & friends for their unconditional love and support throughout my career. They have been my backbone and without them, I would not have been able to achieve what I have today.
"I am excited to announce that I will be exploring new opportunities in the world of cricket & the business side of it, where I will also continue to participate in the sport that I love and challenge myself in new and different environments. I believe that this is the next step in my journey as a cricketer and I look forward to this new chapter in my life.
"I wish all my former teammates and the Indian cricket team all the best for their future endeavours. Thank you for all the memories."
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