Jacques Kallis: Retirement was my personal decision, no pressure from anyone

Jacques Kallis reacts after the final innings of his international career.

South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis after announcing his retirement from one-day internationals with the World Cup scheduled in February, revealed that there was no pressure from the team management nor selectors to bid farewell.

“No, it was my personal decision. I was ready to stop playing international cricket. There was no pressure whatsoever,” said Kallis who retired from the longer format last December, after the series against India, which South Africa won 1-0.

Commenting on the reason to make his call: “When I played my last Test match in December last year and scored a hundred I really thought that I had it in me to continue till the next World Cup. I really believed that. But I went to Sri Lanka and realized that it was becoming difficult. I have given my best for my country over the years and during that series I just knew that this was it. That led to the decision,” Kallis informed.

The only cricketer to have scored 10,000 runs and picked up 200 wickets in both Tests and ODIs, added that it as the right time to hang up his boots and has no regrets on missing out on his dream to be part of a World Cup winning side.

Kallis wants to win IPL with KKR again

The Protean declared that he will continue to play in domestic T20 competitions around the world and expressed desire to win another IPL trophy with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

“Yes, I will be playing for Kolkata Knight Riders. They are like my Indian family. I have always given my best for Knight Riders and will continue to do so. Motivation comes from within, and believe me, I want to try help Knight Riders win the IPL again,” Kallis, who was part of the side’s IPL triumphs in 2012 and 2014, mentioned.

Despite having a great amount of experience, Kallis has acted as skipper in just 15 of his 519 matches. Speaking on captaincy: “I never saw myself as captain,” the 38-year-old stated.

When asked to compare his illustrious career with Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, the 38-year-old refused to comment.

“I wouldn't like to answer that. They are both great cricketers and lovely people, so there's no comparison with them. I would like to think that we all assisted our teams in winning games,” he said.