Rahul Dravid declares innings
Legendary India batsman Rahul Dravid has confirmed his retirement from Test and domestic first-class cricket after a distinguished career that saw him score 13,288 runs in 164 Tests, with 36 tons.
Dravid announced his retirement from Test and domestic first-class cricket at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, his home ground from where he has risen to cricket immortality.
Dravid read out a prepared statement, announcing his retirement and thanking his family, wife, his teammates, the BCCI and the selectors. His announcement was received by applause from all present, including the attendant media.
He said: "I would like to announce my retirement from international and domestic first-class cricket.
"It has been 16 years since I first played a Test match for India, and I feel it's time for me to move on and let a new generation of players make their own history."
"It has been 16 years since I first played a Test match for India, and I feel it's time for me to move on and let a new generation of players make their own history."
BCCI president N. Srinivasan and Dravid's former teammate and current Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president, Anil Kumble, paid glowing tributes to Dravid at the crowded press conference.
The Indian middle-order great is the second highest run-getter in Test cricket, only behind team-mate Sachin Tendulkar.
There had been intense speculation about Dravid's impending retirement ever since he failed with the bat during the Australian tour.
Dravid had already announced his retirement from ODI cricket after the away series against England when he was surprisingly recalled in the shorter format due to his stupendous performance in the Test series where he scored three centuries in four matches.
One of India's greatest ever Test players, Dravid had scored a whopping 13,288 runs in 164 Tests at an average of over 52 which made him second highest scorer behind Sachin Tendulkar. He has hit 36 centuries and 63 half centuries with 270 against Pakistan being his highest score.
