Sourav Ganguly [Images] on Wednesday revealed that he took the decision to quit international cricket after being left out of the Rest of India team for the Irani Trophy match against Delhi [Images] in Vadodara last month.

• Sourav Ganguly factfile

"I just felt it was time to go," the 36-year-old said in Bangalore on Wednesday.

"Obviously, I can't deny the fact that I was a bit disappointed with the Irani Trophy selection. To be honest, I felt I had two outstanding years, except for the Sri Lanka [Images] series. So, if that was the case, then I felt it was time to go."

• Beginning of the end for Fab Four?

Asked about his future, Ganguly replied: "I don't know; let's finish the series first, because we have four Test matches to play."

The former India captain shocked his fans and the team with the timing of his announcement on Tuesday, just a couple of days ahead of the all-important Test series against Australia [Images].

• Ganguly dismisses VRS talk

But he maintained that priority is still the battle that starts on Thursday.

"Well, I didn't want to make much fuss about it, that is why at the press meet I announced it at the last, because the series is more important than all this."

An emotional Ganguly said despite all the sentiments his approach in the middle would still be the same.

• Srikkanth lauds Ganguly's decision

"I am going to approach the series in the same way what has made me successful in the past. I will just try and do well every time I walk out to bat."

"Obviously, I will try and do well. The pressure of doing well will always be there and that probably brings the best out of everyone. I cannot say whether it is relief or not; I have not been sad," he added.

He declined to reveal the reasons behind his retirement.

• Pakistan players hail Ganguly

"I don't want to talk about this. I know what the right thing is and I am sure in due course you also will find out."

Ganguly also admitted that he didn't speak to his coaches or team mates before deciding to quit.

"Because, at the end of the day, I will have to play. I have spoken to my family. I know what situation is best than anyone else and it has to be what I am happy with.

"My father will always be sad, as usual. He also needs to understand that I need to go."

He said his most special moment during his 12-year reign in international cricket was his debut Test, against England [Images] at Lord's in 1996, when he scored a brilliant 131.

Despite controversies shadowing his career for the last few years, Ganguly said he has no regrets.

"If we could have won the World Cup final, it would have been great. But no regrets at all," he said.

Asked why his place was under the most scrutiny amongst all the seniors, he replied: "Probably, people didn't like my face."