Mumbai: Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most prolific Test batters, announced his retirement from the longest format of the game on Wednesday, ending all speculation about his future in red-ball cricket.
The 38-year-old shared the news via Instagram, posting a picture of his test cap with a heartfelt message.
“Hello everyone, I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honor to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” he wrote.
Rohit’s test career spanned 67 matches, during which he amassed 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. He was particularly influential in the second half of his career, cementing his place as one of India’s most dependable test openers.
Having retired from T20 Internationals after the World Cup last year, Rohit will now focus solely on the 50-over format as he continues to be a key player for India.
Rohit’s captaincy journey in Test cricket included leading India to the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. However, his final few series, including a tough home series against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, were marked by inconsistent form.
During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he had to drop himself from the playing XI due to poor form, a move that fueled speculation about his future. There were also widespread rumors of differences with India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, who took charge in July 2024 and has been vocal about ending the “star culture” in Indian cricket. Both Rohit and Gambhir, however, denied these claims, maintaining that only performance would dictate team selection.
With Rohit stepping away from Test cricket, India will need a new captain for the upcoming five-Test series in England. Potential candidates include Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant, all of whom have been part of India’s leadership discussions in recent years.
Rohit leaves behind a significant legacy in Test cricket, known for his stylish stroke play, aggressive intent at the top, and an unwavering commitment to the team. As he steps away from the whites, his impact on Indian cricket will be remembered as one of perseverance, evolution, and unmatched talent.
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