In a surprising development , batting ace Sachin Tendulkar announced his retirement from ODI cricket with immediate effect on Sunday.
After conveying his decision to BCCI President N. Srinivasan, Tendulkar revealed his decision with these words : " I have decided to retire from the One Day format of the game. I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup wining Indian team. 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 wel wishers for their unconditional support and love over the years."
Tendulkar made his ODI debut against Pakistan as a 16 year old in 1989. He played 463 matches, scoring 18426 runs at an average of 44.83, the most by a batsman in ODI history. incidentally , he played his last ODI against Pakistan during the 2012 Asia Cup in March.
Speaking to CNN-IBN, former selector K Srikkanth reacting to Sachin's ODI retirement , said : " I an shocked. Didn't have any indication earlier about Sachin's decision to quit. He is leaving on high"
