No plans to retire from ODIs: Sachin Tendulkar

He might be skipping ODIs with regularity but Sachin Tendulkar says he does not plan to quit the format altogether just yet and will continue as long as he enjoys the game.

Tendulkar, who has played just two ODI series after the World Cup last year, most recently opted out of the tour of Sri Lanka later this month, fuelling speculation about his future in the format.

But the 39-year-old star batsman insisted that he rarely gets affected by what is speculated about him.

"It's not what XYZ think, it's what I feel and I feel as long as I am enjoying and I feel like being part of it, I'll continue (playing ODIs)," he said.

"I felt I shouldn't be part of the Twenty20 squad in 2007 and I had been asked (to stay on) but I felt I should not be part of Twenty 20 squad because the team did well. When I get that feeling in one-day cricket may be I would take that decision," he said.

Tendulkar said he decided to opt out of Sri Lanka tour as he wanted to spend time with his children.

"I just wanted to spend time with my family, as simple as that. I spoke to the BCCI and requested them. To be able to spend time with my children is also important.

"Because once we go back they will go to their schools then you won't get quality time which any family man expects from his family and that is something which will keep me going for next 10 months," he said.

On the persistent questions about his retirement from cricket given that he has been around for over 20 years, Tendulkar said, "I think it's been going on since 2006...It's been six years now and I am enjoying cricket and I'll continue enjoying because as long as I am passionate about cricket you know it makes sense.

... contd.

ALSO READ

A dress rehearsal in Norway

IPL 2013: Shane Watson in awe of 'amazing' Rahul Dravid

Take a lesson from Sachin Tendulkar's commitment: Javed Miandad to Pak team

IPL 2013: Mumbai Indians win, make the road to play-offs interesting