I Do Not Have Any Aim At This Moment: Murali Vijay On His Return To Cricket

Murali Vijay, an Indian cricketer who intends to participate in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) after an almost two-year absence, is not setting any goals for himself.

A veteran of 61 Test matches and 4,000 runs in the longest version of the game, Vijay will represent the Ruby Trichy Warriors in the TNPL this season. He last participated in a competitive match for the Chennai Super Kings during the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL).

I Just Want To Enjoy My Cricket At This Time: Murali Vijay

“The two-year break was to reflect… at the end of the day, you have to be realistic with your targets. I pretty much don’t have any aim at the moment. I just want to play cricket and enjoy this phase of my life at this point and see where it takes me, with the help of TNCA,” said Vijay.

“I want to play as long as possible. Just took a personal break. I have a young family and wanted to take care of them. I’m enjoying my cricket now and I’m feeling fit, hopefully, I can do my bit for my team and TNPL,” Vijay said at a TNPL event.

The 38-year-old Vijay stated that his personal life was moving at a “rapid speed” and that ailments were also a factor in his decision to take a break.

“It was difficult for me personally because I wanted to play but I had injuries and my personal life was going at a fast pace. I wanted to slow it down and see where I was standing as an individual. I wanted to reflect on myself and that’s why I felt that a break was required and needed for me at that particular time. TNCA has understood that and they’ve given me this beautiful platform to come back and play the game.”

“Just go out there and perform and make use of the opportunity. How many youngsters I can help out and be with them — that’s going to be my role in this team in TNPL. That’s what I’m looking forward to — to rub shoulders with the youngsters and talk the way they can understand and see where they are and contribute to TNPL,” added Vijay.

Murali, who had multiple successful IPL seasons—scoring 400+ runs in three seasons—had noticed a decline in form in his final couple of seasons in the lucrative league. However, he now wants to take advantage of the chances that present themselves and support the young people in the TNPL.

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