Veteran opener Murali Vijay announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on Monday (January 30).

Vijay’s last appearance for India was way back in December 2018 in a Test match against Australia at Perth.

“Today, with immense gratitude & humility, I announce my retirement from all forms of International cricket,” Vijay said in a statement issued on social media.

“My journey from 2002-2018 has been the most wonderful years of my life for it was was an honour representing India at the highest level of sport. I am grateful for the opportunities given to me by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), Chennai Super Kings and Chemplast Sanmar,” he added.

“To all my team-mates, 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, will forever cherish the moments I spent with you all and your support has always be a source of motivation for me,” he further stated.

The 38-year-old also thanked his family and friends for their unconditional love and support and expressed that he would be exploring new opportunities in cricket.

“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 environment. 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 future endeavors,” he concluded.

Murali Vijay represented India in 61 Tests, amassing 3982 runs at an average of 38.28 with 12 hundreds and 15 half-centuries. He also featured in 17 ODIs and 9 T20Is, scoring 339 and 169 runs respectively.