Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday categorically dismissed speculation about his retirement from one-day cricket, saying he was "batting brilliantly" at the moment and even the thought of quitting had not crossed his mind.
The 34-year-old said that he was enjoying the game very much and hoped to continue playing as long as he could.
"I am batting brilliantly at the moment. Even the thought of retirement has not crossed my mind," Tendulkar said.
"I am still enjoying the game very much and want to play for as long as I can. Cricket means a lot to me," he said.
Tendulkar has hit a purple patch with scores of 99, 93, 99, and 94 on the ongoing tour of United Kingdom to silence some of his critics who had not only questioned his form but also advised him to retire.
Tendulkar's clarification finally put an end to the speculation about his possible retirement from the shorter version of the game, which possibly stemmed from his recent interview to a leading British newspaper.
In the interview to The Times, the champion batsman had admitted for the first time that his long recovery time after one-day matches was creating an "obstacle" for him.
{{/usCountry}}In the interview to The Times, the champion batsman had admitted for the first time that his long recovery time after one-day matches was creating an "obstacle" for him.
{{/usCountry}}"It does take its toll on the body. When you are 22 or 23, you recover a lot more quickly. But at 34, it's not so easy," he was quoted as saying by the paper.
Tendulkar, however, has recently opted out of the upcoming Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa.