Sachin Tendulkar will retire from all forms of cricket after playing his 200th Test against West Indies in November.
Tendulkar has so far played 198 Test matches, scoring 15, 837 runs. India will play the two-match Test series against West Indies, scheduled between 6th and 18th November, and they will serve as the cricketing legend's final outings.
The Little Master had announced his retirement from ODIs towards the end of last year, while he had quit T20 internationals several years ago. The 40-year-old also retired from IPL and Champions League T20, after winning both tournaments with the Mumbai Indians this season.
Recent reports suggested that the BCCI might ask Tendulkar to hang up his boots after his 200th Test but the player has now himself made a decision.
"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," Tendulkar said in a BCCI release.
"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," he added.