Sharma retires from Test cricket

Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing a close to a 12-year journey in the longest format. 

The 38-year-old shared the news on his Instagram story, stating, “Hello everyone! I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It has been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support through the years. I will continue to represent India in ODI format”.

Rohit’s decision is coming just weeks before India’s Test squad for the England tour was due to be announced. His final appearance in whites came during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where India lost 1-3, having been dropped from the fifth Test. Another blemish on his captaincy record was India losing their first Test series at home in 12 years after they were thrashed by New Zealand. 

Although he faced some challenges in recent times, Rohit’s red-ball career stands out for his overall consistency. Over 67 Tests (116 innings), he accumulated 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. His ability to adapt and thrive as an opener, especially after 2019, improved his Test journey and provided India with stability at the top of the order.

As Test captain, Rohit was responsible for guiding the team to the World Test Championship final against Australia, although they lost. He has won 12 Tests since taking over as captain in 2022. 

His leadership was marked by a calm presence and a general understanding of tactics, even as the side faced tough series against New Zealand and Australia in recent years. With his departure, the selectors are expected to look ahead, with Shubman Gill emerging as a front-runner for the captaincy as India begins a new World Test Championship cycle.

After retiring from T20 Internationals last year, Rohit’s sole focus will now be ODI events, where he is the captain of the team.