08 May,2025 06:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rajeev Shukla (Pic: File Pic)
Team India captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect ending all speculations about his future in the longest format and leaving India in the need of a new captain for the upcoming five-match series against England.
Following his decision, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla clarified that there was no pressure put on Rohit by the cricket body.
"As far as Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket is concerned, he has made his own decision. It is our policy that the players who take the decision of retirement, we do not put any pressure on them, nor do we suggest anything, nor do we say anything", Shukla told PTI Videos.
Team India will set to compete in the much-anticipated contest against the 'Three Lions' from June 20.
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The veteran of 67 Test matches concluded his career with 4,301 runs in the format. He also has 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries in the longest format of the game.
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However, being a white-ball stalwart, the 38-year-old fell short of replicating his form in the longest format of the game. Further, Shukla said his contribution to the five-day game was immense.
"The more we praise him, the less it is. He is a great batsman. The good thing is that he has not yet decided to retire from cricket (will play only ODIs). So we will definitely take advantage of his experience and talent," said Shukla.
With Rohit's call to retire from Test cricket, a void has been left for the captaincy spot. Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are the top contenders to lead the national team in red-ball cricket.
When asked about potential names in the fray, Shukla said that the matter lies strictly with the selection committee.
"There should not be any speculations. The selectors will decide and tell you who the captain is, it is solely and purely their call," concluded Shukla.
Earlier, Rohit retired from the shortest format of the game after Team India's T20 World Cup 2025 triumph. Under his leadership, the Men in Blue also clinched the Champions Trophy 2025 title.
(With PTI Inputs)
