After leading India to a long-awaited victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma had bid farewell to the shortest format of the game. Rumors swirled earlier this year that he might also retire from ODIs after India’s ICC Champions Trophy triumph in March. However, Rohit has expressed his desire to play in one more 50-over World Cup. In the midst of this, the Indian captain has made a sudden announcement—he is retiring from Test cricket.
Speculation about his Test retirement began in January, following the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia. At the time, Rohit made it clear he wasn’t stepping away from Tests just yet. Meanwhile, after the ongoing IPL, India is scheduled to tour England for a five-match Test series. Debate had been building around whether Rohit would continue to lead the Test side, with reports in Indian media suggesting that the BCCI was considering appointing a younger captain.
Before the speculation could settle, Rohit took to social media to announce his decision. On his Instagram story, he shared a picture of his Test cap and wrote:
“I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from Test cricket. Representing my country in whites has been a great honor. Thank you all for the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format.”
With this announcement, Rohit ends an 11-year Test career. Although he made his international debut in 2007, he played his first Test in 2013. Over his career, he played 67 Tests for India, leading the team in 24 of them. He took over the Test captaincy from Virat Kohli in 2022. In 116 innings, Rohit scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties.
Rohit’s Test exit comes at a time when India has struggled under his leadership. The team suffered a shocking 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand, their first home series defeat in 12 years and first whitewash at home since 1999-2000. Rohit faced heavy criticism, along with the team. India later lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1, effectively knocking them out of the World Test Championship final race.
The home whitewash against New Zealand created a near-impossible scenario for India to qualify, especially as they lost the final Test in Australia without Rohit in the lineup. In his last two series, Rohit managed just one fifty across eight matches, with an average of only 10.93.
UA / TDS
