Rahul Dravid to retire from ODIs, T20s after England series

Expressing surprise at his recall in the one-day and T20 squad for the England series, Rahul Dravid announced his retirement from the limited overs format at the end of the current tour. Sanjjeev Karan Samyal reports. Dravid ODI record

Expressing surprise at his recall in the one-day and T20 squad for the England series, Rahul Dravid announced his retirement from the limited overs format at the end of the current tour.

"I am honoured and privileged to be picked in the one-day team. Since I was not picked in the ODI team for the last two years, I was obviously a little surprised (at my selection). And since I was not picked for the last two years, I had not informed the selectors or the Board of my desire to solely focus on Test cricket. At the end of this ODI series, I would like to announce my retirement from ODI and Twenty20 cricket and concentrate purely and solely on Test cricket," Dravid said, reading out a prepared statement.

The conditions are testing here and India have few men with the ability and experience for the job, and this could probably be the reason Dravid has been included in the ODI squad by the Indian selectors.

Dravid, though, declared his commitment to the team in the upcoming ODI series and said he is excited by the challenge.

"Obviously in the short term, it is an excitement. I am looking forward to it and committed to give my best in the current series. This ODI series is going to be my last," he said.

The unassuming cricketer reminded that it would be unfair to say that his contribution to Indian cricket is greater than others.

"There are a lot of people who have done a lot for Indian cricket, not only me. And all the players I have played with, they have always tried to do their best for the team. I don't see myself doing anything differently from others."