Veteran opener Murali Vijay has come out hard at the BCCI after being constantly ignored by the selectors, stating that he is ‘almost done’ with competitive cricket in India and is looking for opportunities abroad.
Vijay, who was once a mainstay in Indian Test batting lineup, recently took part in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) where he smashed a jaw-dropping 66-ball 121 with an astonishing record-breaking 12 sixes for Ruby Trichy Warriors against Nellai Royal Kings.
He is fit and hungry for runs. His footwork, timing and balance with the willow are still intact.
“I am almost done with BCCI (smiles) and looking for opportunities abroad. I want to play little bit of competitive cricket,” an upset Vijay told former Indian cricketer WV Raman on Wednesdays with WV, a weekly show on Sportstar.
“After 30 in India, it’s a taboo (smiles). They see us as 80-year-olds walking on 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.
“Maybe if I would have got as much backing as Virender Sehwag, things might have been different,” he added.
Vijay has played for India in 61 Tests, amassing 3982 runs at an average of 38.28 with 12 hundreds and 15 fifties. He also featured in 17 ODIs and 9 T20Is, scoring 339 and 169 runs respectively.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Vijay represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). His last appearance in an IPL match was for CSK in 2020.
