‘Underrated opener’ – Fans celebrate Murali Vijay’s career as he announces his retirement from international cricket

Veteran Indian batter Murali Vijay on Monday announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Vijay, who last represented India in the year 2018, announced his decision through his social media handles.

“Today, immense gratitude and humility, I announce my retirement from all forms of international cricket. My journey from 2002 to 2018 has been the most wonderful years of my life for it was an honour representing India at the highest level of sport,” the Indian star wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the former Indian opener, who recently expressed his wish for continuing with cricket assignments abroad has announced that he will be looking for new opportunities and will continue to be part of the sport. “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 a 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,” he added.

@BCCI @TNCACricket @IPL @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/ri8CCPzzWK

— Murali Vijay (@mvj888) January 30, 2023

“I am almost done with Indian Cricket Board (smiles) and looking for opportunities abroad. I want to play a little bit of competitive cricket. After 30 in India, it’s a taboo (smiles). I think people see us as 80-year-olds walking on the street. The media should also address it differently. I feel you are peaking in your 30s. Sitting here right now, I feel I can bat the best way I can. But unfortunately, the opportunities were less, and I had to search for chances outside,” Vijay had stated earlier.

Murali Vijay made his debut in 2008

Murali Vijay made his international debut for India in a Test against Australia in 2008. He played an important role opening the innings from early 2010s till 2017. In 61 Tests, he has scored 3982 runs at an average of 38.28, including 12 centuries and 15 half-centuries.

In ODIs, he played 17 matches for the ‘Men-in-Blue’ and scored 339 runs at an average of 21.18 and a strike rate of 66.99. He also had one half-century to his name in the format. He further played nine T20Is and scored 169 runs averaging a little over 18 with a strike rate of over 109.

The Tamil Nadu player also left his mark on the Indian T20 League while playing for Chennai Franchise. The opener scored two centuries in the tournament and amassed a total of 2619 runs at a strike rate of 121.87 from 106 matches.

Meanwhile, Twitter was abuzz with reactions on Murali Vijay’s retirement. Here are some of the Tweets:

Former Indian opening batter in test cricket Murali Vijay has taken retirement from the cricket. Some of his overseas inning were quite gritty under tough conditions. #MuraliVijay#CricketTwitter

— Narendra Rawat (@narendra_rawat_) January 30, 2023

Kids don't know how good @mvj888 was as an opener in SENA especially. You must be proud of what you have achieved in the era of top class prime bowlers. Congratulations on your stellar career. May you start your next inning with a lot more energy post retirement. #MuraliVijay pic.twitter.com/35qbhIToee

— 𝙈𝙙 𝘼𝙯𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙪𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙣 (@azharsays_) January 30, 2023

144 at Brisbane.
145 at Trent Bridge.
95 at Lord's.
99 at Adelaide.
97 at Kingsmead.

One of the best openers in overseas for India in Tests – Thank you, Murali Vijay.

— Aks (@crickshat) January 30, 2023

https://twitter.com/Rutwik2304/status/1620010614344253445?s=20&t=_CKNkoVNufCFwALAGrJNZg

One of most underrated player of Indian cricket Murali Vijay retires from international cricket..He is one of the elegant batsman in indian cricket..His contribution to indian test cricket team and @ChennaiIPL in many matches is unforgettable..Best wishes to his new innings….

— Adarsh (@adarsh_anchor) January 30, 2023

The monk was always underrated and unsung hero of Indian batting. Batted and scored runs in difficult conditions in Aus, Eng and even SA as an opener which was no mean feat.

Wish the best life for him post retirement! #muralivijay

— Hitchy (@hitchwriter) January 30, 2023

My most memorable Murali Vijay test match was vs Australia, 2014 Adelaide.

Where he got a magnificent 99 and supported kohli to an almost improbable victory.

But once Vijay got out, India collapsed.

From 242/2 to 315/10.

Well Done @mvj888, You have accomplished a lot.

— Mottakin Anik (@aguerooooooo16) January 30, 2023

Incredible grit and determination,
One of the most elegant and underated batter to dawn the Indian Colours!
Knocks played under immense pressure will remain forever!
Happy retirement MONK!
Love to All – More to life🎀@mvj888 #muralivijay

— Yashwanth N Gowda (@YashwanthNGowd3) January 30, 2023

Former Indian Test Opener Murali Vijay has announced his retirement from international cricket .

He was one of the best test openers India has ever got in recent times .

His contributions away from home was just impeccable with some incredible knocks .

— Sharat Chandra Bhatt (@imsbhatt0707) January 30, 2023

cricbuzz: Murali Vijay played 61 Tests, 17 ODIs and 9 T20Is for India since making his debut in 2008.

What's your favourite M Vijay innings?

— Maηi vkƴath ズ (@vkyath) January 30, 2023

https://twitter.com/Mohanishsingh3/status/1620009164625035265?s=20&t=_CKNkoVNufCFwALAGrJNZg