Achieved what I wanted to: Muttiah Muralitharan

With a staggering 1,307 international wickets and practically every bowling record to his name, legendary off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan decided to retire from Test cricket on Tuesday.

When and why did you think of retiring?
I was thinking about it for a long time. I wanted to retire after playing the West Indies (November). However, I didn’t want to keep so many talented youngsters waiting. I changed my decision and thought ‘why not retire against India’ as they are the No.1 Test side. (The Galle Test — the first of the three-match series will be Muralitharan’s last).

Are you upset in any way?
No. I’m very happy because I have played Test cricket for so long.
How difficult was it for you to retire from Test cricket?
It was not very difficult. In fact, it was easy. I am over 37 and I’m not getting any younger. You can’t play cricket for ever and ever. I have not retired from the other formats so I want to enjoy those games. Anyway I have achieved what I wanted to achieve. Hence there is nothing left so far or any target to reach.

How did your family react?
My family has always stood by all my decisions. And it wasn’t difficult as they (wife and parents) were very supportive when I told them about it.

What are your plans now?
I still have a lot of cricket left in me. I will be playing the shorter versions of the game. Then there is the Indian Premier League. I will also play county cricket in England. All this will surely keep me busy.

You are the leading wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs. Is there anything you feel that you haven’t achieved?
I don’t think so. I have achieved almost everything. I am the leading wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs. I was part of the Sri Lankan team which won the World Cup in 1996. I am very much a part of IPL-winning side Chennai Super Kings. I have been part of many victories. So there is nothing left to achieve.

As many as 792 wickets in 132 Tests and 515 wickets in 337 ODIs. Did you expect to achieve so much when you started playing for your country?
One can’t plan things. I didn’t not expect or believe that I would reach so far when I started playing for Sri Lanka.

You have played international cricket for almost two decades. Who has been your source of strength and inspiration?
I think my parents, my wife and my fans who have supported me through out my international career have been my source of strength.

Which batsman, according to you, is the toughest to bowl to?
All batsmen are tough to bowl to. But if I have to choose, then I’ll pick Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. I’ve enjoyed bowling to both of them.

Will you be available for next year’s World Cup?
I will continue playing ODI cricket.