Sachin Tendulkar will bring down the curtain on perhaps the finest international career of all-time after his 200th Test.
The Little Master, currently on 198 format appearances, will play his final two encounters against West Indies next month.
In a statement on the Board of Control for Cricket in India website, he said: “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. 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.
“I thank the BCCI for everything over the years and for permitting me to move on when my heart feels it’s time!
“I thank my family for their patience and understanding. Most of all, I thank my fans and well-wishers who through their prayers and wishes have given me the strength to go out and perform at my best.”
It seems from the moment Tendulkar made his debut at the age of just 16, he attracted hero worship in his homeland.
In the ensuing 24 years, he has shouldered the expectations of a nation with a great deal of class and skill.
Perhaps the most complete batsman ever to play the game, Tendulkar has amassed 100 international centuries and over 30,000 runs at the highest level and can count being the first man to score a one-day international double-century among an array of feats.
He will retire holding almost every international batting record and leaving a legacy that will last forever.
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