Cricketer Gautam Gambhir announces retirement from all forms of game

Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has announced his retirement from all forms of the game.

The cricketer released an 11-minute video message on his Facebook profile to announce his decision to retire from all forms of cricket. 

"After more than 15 years of cricket for my country, I want to retire from playing this beautiful game," said Gambhir.    

"The thought has been with me day and night. It has travelled with me on flights like an irritable excess baggage, it has accompanied me to practice sessions, mocking at me like a menacing bowler. On certain other days, it has made my dinner taste horrible."

"Each time I got out playing for India, or KKR or Delhi Daredevils, this thought would turn into a sharp disturbing noise and walk with me all the way to the dressing room shouting that 'it is over Gauti'."

“Two World Cups, highest run-getter in the final of both games, it is the stuff that dreams are made of.”

"The next Ranji Trophy game against Andhra will be my last day in the sun. It is all coming to an end from where it started at Feroz Shah Kotla," he added.  

The 37-year-old batsman has represented India in 58 Tests between 2004 and 2016, scoring 4154 runs at an average of 41.95. 

Gambhir has further been a part of 147 ODIs between 2003 and 2013.

Not only this, he also played 37 T20 Internationals. 

The batsman played a critical role in India's success during the T20 World Cup in 2007, delivering excellent performances under pressure.

He was also equally effective alongside Virender Sehwag at the top of the order in the 2011 ODI World Cup.

Gambhir has recently played in the domestic cricketing circuit with home team Delhi, after being released by IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils in a controversial move.