Over the course of his Test career, the 37-year-old amassed 4,301 runs in 116 innings, maintaining a respectable average of 40.57
Rohit Sharma (Pic: AFP)
In a surprise development that caught fans and cricketing circles off guard, India captain Rohit Sharma on Wednesday announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket. The veteran opener shared the news via his Instagram story, bringing an end to a noteworthy red-ball career.
“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 posted.
Rohit Sharma's Instagram story
The announcement comes shortly after India’s defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Rohit featured in the fourth Test, his final appearance in whites. India lost the series 1-3, and Rohit was dropped from the playing XI for the fifth and concluding match.
Over the course of his Test career, the 37-year-old amassed 4,301 runs in 116 innings, maintaining a respectable average of 40.57. His red-ball exploits include 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, reflecting both consistency and moments of brilliance.
However, 2024 proved to be a particularly challenging year for Rohit in the format. In eight Tests, he averaged a mere 10.93 across 15 innings, the lowest average recorded by any top-seven batter with at least 15 innings in the 2024–25 season. This dramatic dip in form included 10 single-digit scores, the highest tally for any top-order batter in a single Test season, further highlighting his prolonged struggles.
As a leader, Rohit captained India in 24 Tests, winning 12 and losing nine, with three matches ending in draws. While he demonstrated tactical acumen and calm leadership in key moments, the latter part of his tenure was marred by India’s inconsistent performances, especially overseas.
Rohit’s decision to step away from Test cricket follows his earlier announcement in June 2024, when he retired from T20 Internationals after leading India to a historic seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final. That triumph allowed him to bow out of the shortest format on a high.
Although his red-ball journey has concluded, Rohit confirmed he will continue to represent India in One Day Internationals, where his experience and leadership will remain invaluable, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 Champions Trophy.
More details awaited...
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