Indian cricket’s senior statesman Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday, closing the chapter on a distinguished red-ball career that spanned over a decade. The 38-year-old made the announcement via an Instagram story, writing, “Hello everyone, I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years.”The decision follows speculation over his place in the Indian Test side, particularly with the five-match series in England on the horizon. As reported by TOI earlier this week, the BCCI was already considering a change in leadership, and Rohit’s Test selection was no longer guaranteed.Rohit, however, clarified that he will continue to be available for selection in the ODI format. The veteran opener had earlier retired from T20Is after leading India to a title win in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, ending the nation’s 13-year drought in ICC tournaments.Rohit’s Test career began in 2013, and he went on to play 67 matches, scoring 4,301 runs at an average of 40.6, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. His highest score was a masterful 212. Known for his elegance and timing, Rohit matured into a dependable opener in the latter half of his career.
His recent Test form, however, was underwhelming. In his last nine Tests, he averaged just 10.93. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, he even opted to drop himself for the Sydney Test, saying, “I have to be honest to myself… I wasn’t hitting the ball well.”
Australia went on to win that match and reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1.With his whites now hung up, Rohit’s legacy will continue in the shorter formats—where his leadership and batting remain invaluable.
