We'll request Sachin Tendulkar to continue playing for Mumbai, says Ravi Savant

The Mumbai Cricket Association vice-president Ravi Savant on Sunday said that MCA will request Sachin Tendulkar to reconsider his retirement from the domestic format and continue playing in Ranji Trophy this season.

"Sachin had declared (his retirement) while we were busy with our elections. We will approach Sachin after the (Mumbai) Test and request him to continue to playing with Mumbai for this season," MCA vice-president Ravi Savant told PTI.

The 40-year-old batting legend will play his 200th and final Test match at the Wankhede Stadium here against the West Indies from November 14-18.

Savant, also the XCI vice-president, said the veteran's presence in the Mumbai dressing room would be good for the youngsters.

"In the first Ranji match (against Haryana this season), he saved Mumbai. He has lot of cricket left in him. Lot of Mumbai senior cricketers have retired this year. Ajit Agarkar (retired), Ramesh Powar (is now playing for Rajasthan), Zaheer (Khan) is still trying for (an India spot). If Zaheer goes out then there is no senior player. So Sachin's services are required," he said.

However, Savant said that Tendulkar has not given any formal communication to the MCA on his retirement from Ranji Trophy though the batsman had told a newspaper that the match against Haryana was his last Ranji game.

"He has not yet (written a letter to us). He only said (to BCCI) he will retire after his 200th Test. As he will be retiring from international cricket, he can play (domestic cricket)," Savant said.

The MCA is also planning a felicitation for Tendulkar after the conclusion of the Test match, but Savant refused to divulge the details.

© PTI