Rohit Sharma Bids Farewell to Test Cricket
In a heartfelt move that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Rohit Sharma, India’s beloved cricket icon, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday evening via a touching social media post. The 38-year-old batting maestro, known for his elegant strokeplay and leadership, confirmed he will continue to shine in ODI cricket, where he captains Team India. With the IPL 2025 season wrapping up and India’s crucial five-Test series against England starting June 20 at Headingley, the BCCI now faces the urgent task of naming a new Test captain.
Rohit, who stepped away from T20Is after leading India to the T20 World Cup glory last year, shared his emotions with fans:
“Hey everyone, I’m stepping away from Test cricket. Wearing the whites for India has been a dream come true. Thanks for all the love and cheers over the years! I’ll keep giving my all for India in ODIs.”
A Glittering Test Career
Rohit leaves the Test arena with 4301 runs in 67 matches, boasting an average of 40.57. His career sparkled with 12 centuries and 18 fifties, including a breathtaking 212 against South Africa in Ranchi in 2019. However, recent struggles, including a tough home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, and a challenging Australia tour in 2024-25 (averaging just 10.93), weighed heavily. India faced a 3-0 whitewash by New Zealand and lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 under his leadership.
Despite the dip in form, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir backed senior players like Rohit and Virat Kohli just days ago, saying, “As long as you perform, age is just a number. It’s your call when to hang up your boots.” Rohit’s decision to step down reflects his maturity and realism, as he noted during the Australia tour:
“I sat out because runs weren’t flowing. But I know things can turn around. I’m a sensible guy, a father of two, and I know what’s best for me.”
The Road Ahead
Rohit’s absence from the Sydney Test in Australia, where he “stood down” due to form, and his missing the first Test for his child’s birth, saw Jasprit Bumrah step up as vice-captain. Bumrah, a frontrunner for the Test captaincy, led admirably but his recent stress reaction injury raises concerns about overburdening the pace spearhead. With the England series looming, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel must act swiftly to finalize the squad and captaincy.
Rohit’s domestic outing in the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai, where he scored 3 and 28, didn’t help his Test case. Yet, his leadership in guiding India to the Champions Trophy title in March 2025 cemented his ODI legacy. As the cricket world trends on Google Search with buzzwords like #RohitSharma, #TestCricket, and #IndiaCricket, fans are flooding X posts with tributes to the Hitman.
Rohit’s Test chapter may have closed, but his ODI journey and IPL legacy with Mumbai Indians promise more fireworks. Who will take the Test reins? The cricketing world waits with bated breath.