NEW DELHI, Dec 23: Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday announced his retirement from One-Day International cricket after scoring a record-breaking 49 centuries in the 50-over format.

“I have decided to retire from the one-day format of the game,” Mr Tendulkar said in a statement.

“I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup-winning Indian team (in 2011),” the 39-year-old added. “I am eternally grateful to all my well-wishers for their unconditional support and love over the years.”

The Mumbai batsman is the world’s top run-getter in one-day cricket, with 18,426 runs from 463 matches at an average of 44.83 with 49 centuries.

Mr Tendulkar, who is also the highest scorer in Tests, said that he was quitting to allow the Indian selectors to build a team for the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“The preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015 should begin early... I would like to wish the team all the very best for the future,” he said. —AFP