Last Updated on 2 weeks by Charbel Coorey
Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket. After a poor run of form last year, there has been constant speculation in the media that India were intending on replacing Rohit as Test captain. This speculation ramped up in recent days, with Indian Express reporting that the selectors were keen to move in a different direction for the upcoming England series.
Rohit took to Instagram on Wednesday to make his announcement and confirmed he will still play ODIs for India.
“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,” Rohit wrote. “Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format.”
Rohit retires with 4,301 runs to his name at an average of 40.57 from 67 Tests, including 18 fifties and 12 hundreds. His 2021 year was up there with his best in Test cricket, hitting a memorable 161 against England in Chennai before displaying good technique in tricky conditions in England later that year.
Things turned sour for Rohit as opener and captain in 2024. He averaged just 10.93 across eight matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand and Australia. Also, India lost 3-0 in remarkable fashion to New Zealand at home under his leadership, followed by a 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit did not take part in the final match at the SCG, fuelling speculation that he may have played his last Test.
Twitter Reactions: Rohit Sharma says goodbye to Test cricket
Praise for Rohit Sharma
Despite the sour ending, it was a Test career filled with some wonderful highlights. Fans and pundits praised Rohit Sharma for his contributions in Test cricket, especially when he was able to adjust in different conditions a few years ago.
“Test cricket asks a lot of you – grit, patience and character. Brotherman, you gave it everything and yet made it look effortless. From a quiet fighter to a leader at the top, your journey in whites has been special. Proud of you, go well, @ImRo45,” wrote Yuvraj Singh on X, formerly Twitter.
Here are some other reactions praising Rohit in Test cricket, including from current and former players.
Was there room for even more from Rohit Sharma in Test cricket?
There is also the feeling that Rohit could have achieved more in the format. After a slow start, Rohit found his groove in Tests, but an average of 40 is perhaps below is potential.
India’s Test series against England begins on 20 June. Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah are the frontrunners to replace Rohit Sharma as Test captain.
