BANGALORE: Superstar Indian batsman Rahul Dravid announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday at the age of 39, bringing the curtain down a 16-year career at the top.
  
"It is time to move on and let a new generation of players make their own history," Dravid told reporters at a crowded news conference in Bangalore alongside Indian cricket board president Narayanaswamy Srinivasan.
  
The stylish batsman was the number two run-getter in Test cricket behind compatriot Sachin Tendulkar with 13,288 runs from 164 matches at an average of 52.31 with 36 centuries.
  
"When I started, I could never imagine that this long journey will take me so far," Dravid said. "In the Indian team I was fortunate to be part of a wonderful era.
  
"Many of my team-mates have become legends, not just in India but in the wider world... I leave the game with wonderful memories and great friendships."
  
The man known as "the Wall" for his immaculate technique, was also one of only 10 batsmen to score more than 10,000 runs in one-day cricket, which he quit last year to prolong his Test career.
   His one-day tally stood at 10,889 runs from 344 matches at an average of 39.16 with 12 centuries.
  
Dravid's retirement puts the focus on India's other ageing batsmen, Sachin Tendulkar, 39 next month, and Venkatsai Laxman, 37, who are under pressure to consider their future after the team's disastrous tour of Australia.
  
"I knew in my heart. I knew deep down that the time was right. I was happy and comfortable with what I have achieved with what I have done," Dravid explained. SAMAA