Indian cricketer Murali Vijay has made a startling admission that he is nearing the end of his career in India and is considering finding opportunities abroad. The 38-year-old opener, who has played 61 Tests, 17 ODIs, and 9 T20Is, recently played in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. Vijay stated that his age has become a hindrance in getting opportunities in Indian cricket.
He made his debut for India in 2008 in a Test match against South Africa and went on to play 61 Tests, 17 ODIs, and 9 T20Is. He had a successful career with the Indian team, scoring 3942 runs in Test matches, 339 runs in ODIs, and 169 runs in T20Is. He has a highest score of 167 in Test and 73 in ODIs. He also had success in the Indian T20 League, playing for teams such as Chenna, Punjab, and Delhi.
Despite his success with the national team, Vijay has struggled to maintain a consistent spot in the team and has been in and out of the squad in recent years. He last played for India in December 2018 in a Test match against Australia in Perth. He has recently made an admission that he is nearing the end of his career in India and is considering finding opportunities abroad.
“I am almost done with Indian Cricket Board and I want to find my ways abroad. Play little bit of competitive cricket,” Vijay told WV Raman on Wednesday with WV, a weekly show on Sportstar.
Vijay spoke in length about the mistreatment of players after they turn 30. He said that giving breaks to players above 30 is considered a taboo in India as selectors think of these players as old beyond the numbers.
I don’t want any controversy- Vijay
He also pleaded with the media to address this issue and ask questions of the selectors.
“After 30 in India, it’s a taboo. They see us as 80-year-olds walking on the street. I don’t want to get into any controversy. The media should also address it differently. I feel you are peaking in your 30s. Sitting here right now, I can bat the way I bat now. But unfortunately or fortunately, the opportunities are less, and I have to search for my opportunities outside.”
He also claimed that his career trajectory would have been different had the board backed him as much as they did legendary batter Virender Sehwag.
“Maybe if I would have got as much backing as Virender Sehwag, things might have been different,” concluded the 38-year-old.
