Rohit Sharma Retired from Tests

 Rohit Sharma Retired from Test Cricket

Picture Source: Google 

Whenever an Indian Cricketer announces his retirement, it’s always an emotional feeling. Recently, India’s Test Captain Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from the longest format of the cricket. Well it’s not surprising at all, that, it came over on just a normal social media post. It’s very rare to find, players officially announcing their farewell and ending their career in the ground, while playing.

Well, many will feel it as a shocking news. But, it was quite understandable. Since, the Home series against Kiwis and the BGT in Australia were so bad that, BCCI and Selectors had to think about that. Rohit the Captain and the batter failed terribly there. More than the leadership, it was Rohit’s batting form which was more concerning. He was terrible after that home series against England in early 2024 in red ball format. He had managed to score only 164 runs from his last 15 innings, averaged 10.9 in this phase.

And with age factor going against him, it was very difficult for the Selectors not to look ahead. By the time Team India plays the next Test Series, Rohit will be 38. And with the dipping form and fitness factor, at some point he had to take that call. Which he took on 7th of May, 2025. Well, was it his own call or he was forced to do it, we don’t have exact answer. But, its definitely end of an era in Indian Cricket.

                   Picture Source: Google 

Rohit Sharma’s Cricket Career has been a Roller Costar ride. He made his India debut way back in 2006-07. But, he had to wait for few years to get his Red Ball debut. Finally, he made his test appearance for Indian Team in November 2013. A series against West Indies, which was the last Series for The Great Man Sachin Tendulkar. Well, fans were emotional bidding farewell to the God of Cricket. But, another talented man from Mumbai, showed his potential and started his new journey in toughest format of the game. 

                    Picture Source: Google 

He smashed an excellent century on debut at Eden Garden and promised for a stellar Red Ball Career. But, frequent injuries and inconsistent performances, kept him in and out from the team on regular basis. Finally after 6 years in 2019, during home series, Rohit was asked to open in tests. We were struggling to have a permanent and consistent performer and Team Management showed the trust on regular white ball opener Rohit Sharma.

But, finally the Test Career has been ended. He started in Nov 2013 and it has finished in Dec 2024, during BGT, in Boxing Day Test. He benched himself in the last Test at Sydney and now, announced his retirement just before the big England Tour. During his Test Career (2013 - 2024), he scored 4301 Runs at 40.58 from 67 Matches. Out of which 2697 came as Opening batter at 42.80 in 38 Matches. He managed to score 12 Centuries and 18 half centuries in this phase.

Well, these stats aren’t suggesting a great career for a batter. But, the impact that Rohit had as opener for Indian Team was really great. Particularly, in home soli he averaged over 50 and saved the batting unit quite a few times in turning tracks. His all 12 Centuries came on winning cause. That’s another great impact of his career. Most importantly, he was perhaps the best Indian batter since the introduction of WTC Cycle in 2019. 

But, in last few games he looked totally out of touch and his position in the team questioned. Although Rohit made a strong comeback by winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with the Bat and with Captaincy also. But that couldn’t helped him to continue his participation in Indian Red Ball Team. Well, it’s a debatable point, whether Rohit himself took the Retirement call or he was forced to do so. But, it’s clear that Board and Selectors are looking into future.

                 Picture Source: Google 

After this sudden announcement, it’s now going to be interesting to see on whom Team India keep his trust for Leadership role. Whether it is Bumrah, Gill, Rahul, Pant or anyone else? To replace Rohit the batter, we have some really good options. But, as far as Captaincy is concerned, it is going to be a task. As no one has been groomed to take that responsibility, it will be challenging to fill up that spot for sure. Reports have suggested in favor of Young Shubman Gill to be the new Captain of Indian Test Side. Well, he is yet to prove his worth out side Asia in this format. 

With Rohit Sharma, focus now will be on ODI format. There is no question on his ODI game and he has shown his wish to play that 2027 ODI WC. Now, it’s on the BCCI and the Selectors, whether they would continue with him or make that transition happen in ODIs also? With focus on WTC and T20WC next year, there are not many ODI games scheduled to play. So, how TM are looking into the matter, will be interesting to see. 

But for now, many many great wishes to one of the great Indian Opening batter on his retirement from test cricket. His contributions will be remembered always and hopefully, youngsters will learn from him, how to adapt the big challenges even after crossing 30 Years age. Also, the way he kept his team together and every single player was with him, is a learning factor for upcoming Leader. At the very end, thank you so much RO.