'The Little Master' had previously retired from ODIs and T20 cricket. PHOTO: FILE
"All my life, I have had a dream of playing cricket for India. I have been living this dream every day for the last 24 years," the 40-year-old, who compiled a record 100 international centuries, said in a statement released by the Indian cricket board (BCCI) on Thursday.
"It's hard for me to imagine a life without playing cricket because it's all I have ever done since I was 11 years old.
"It's been a huge honour to have represented my country and played all over the world. I look forward to playing my 200th test match on home soil, as I call it a day."
Tendulkar, who made his debut against bitter rivals Pakistan in 1989 as a sixteen-year old, has gone on to accumulate 15,837 runs in 198 tests and 18,426 runs in 463 one-day internationals.
The batsman, affectionately known as the ‘Little Master’, played just one Twenty20 match for India against South Africa in December 2006, before retiring from the shortest format of international cricket.
Tendulkar fulfilled his long-cherished dream of winning the World Cup when India won the tournament in 2011 at home and last December he hung up his boots from the 50 overs game to make way for youngsters.
Talk of Tendulkar's retirement had polarised opinions in the cricket-mad nation and speculation was rife after the BCCI announced a two-test series at home in November against the Caribbean side.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who also hails from Mumbai and shared a number of dressing rooms with Tendulkar, called him a true legend.
Privileged to have seen a child prodigy go on to become a true legend of the game from very close quarters. All the best Sachin.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 10, 2013
Former England captain Michael Vaughan called Tendulkar one of his heroes.
One of the Greatest ever @sachin_rt is retiring... One of my heroes and a absolute joy to play against.. #BornToPlayCricket
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 10, 2013
COMMENTS (27)
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@Hasan: Thanks a lot, it is the best tribute from across the border after Sir Bradman who showered it on Tendulkar long time back.
@Hasan: Spoken as a gentleman and a true sportsman!
@Hasan: Brilliant comment - was a privilege to read. Thanks.
So the sad day is finally drawing near. Those of us that have been alive to witness this man play cricket have been truly blessed; not just in terms of entertainment but in seeing him personify the spirit of cricket and fair play. He moved beyond the realms of mere cricketer and became a legend, an immortal- a modern day Hobbs or Headley that future generations will look back upon and wish they had been 20 or 30 or 100 years younger and able to watch him. Tendulkar transcended national boundaries and allegiances and although he may have played for India, he belonged to all of us, every last cricketing-loving missionary.
Finest batter who graced the cricket field. His on drives, cut shots and cover drives were treat to watch. Love from across the border. Sir Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.
Respect for the living legend !!! Cricket will be poorer without you. Cheers from Pakistan.
i think he should have played for another 10-15 years.
Truly a living legend, a very good human being as well unlike other Indian Players. We will miss you Sachin specially in Pak India cricket encounters.
Arguably the best there has ever been. I applaud you for alll the magnificent memories Sachin, you are a true chamption. Sad day for cricket.
One of the greatest batsman ever, you will always be remembered " Little Master "
Great player but more importantly very good human being and perfect example of gentleman game.
As a Paki truly speaking..He is the Man that destroyed the carrer of Wasim akram and waqar younis and shoaib has been geeting his nightmares......Baap baap hota hain beta beta hota hain..lol..z......
Little master... we will miss you for sure. Fortunate to have watched some glorious cricket ..
A 100 self-centered centuries ... If only some of those would have helped India win a game or two ... so long you overrated son of a gun!!
Finally...
Well played. Cricket is proud of you... !
A great ambassador of the sport....His greatness lies in his humility.....Take a bow Sachin.....Love from Pakistan....
Asian pride!!Respect from Pakistan!!
Michael Clarke - A Man Who Has The Capability To Hit The Same Ball In 5 Different Areas On The Field.. Bret Lee - Greatest Global Superstar McCgrath - A Player Who Can Hit You For Sixes In-spite Of Your Bouncer Shane Warne - My Night Mare Steve Waugh - All Plans Were Made For Him Only Ricky Pointing - God Of Straight Drive Lara - Best Batsmen Of Among All Era "I Want My Son To Become Sachin Tendulkar."-Brian Lara(WI) "We Did Not Lose To A Team Called India, We Lost To Man Called Sachin"Mark Taylor(Aus) 'Nothing Bad Can Happen To Us If We Were On A Plane In India With Sachin Tendulkar On It."-Hashim Amla (SA) "He Can Play That Leg Glance With A Walking Stick Also. -Waqar Younis(Pak) "There Are Two Kind Of Batsman In The World. 1 SachinTendulkar And 2. All The Others .-AndyFlower(ZIM) "I Have Seen God. He Bats At No.4 For India In Tests.-Matthew Hayden(AUS.) "I See Myself When I See Sachin Batting.-Sir Don Bradman(AUS) "Do Your Crime When Sachin Is Batting, Because Even God Is Busy Watching His Batting. -AustralianFan Barack Obama"I Don't Know About Cricket But Still I Watch Cricket To See Sachin Play..Not Because I Love His Play Its Because I Want To Know The Reason Why My Country's Production Goes Down By 5 Percent When He's In Batting" ya that's you Master Blaster.....Bye Bye Sachin
Sad to see such a great player retire. Would have loved for him play one last test against Pakistan.
Standing ovation. Honored to have watched this legend on TV through most of his career.
The greatest Legend of cricket retires... Cricket is a lot poorer from this day... Respect this man !!!
At last Sachin Tendulkar has decided to retire from Test Cricket. He has made so many batting records and achieved great success. He should have "Hanged the boots" earlier. Best of luck to Cricket legend n his future endeavors.