Indian cricketing stalwart Rohit Sharma has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable red-ball career spanning over 11 years. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Rohit expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to don the whites for India, while also confirming that he will continue representing the country in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
“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. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” Rohit stated in his official announcement.
A Storied Career in Whites
Rohit Sharma’s Test career draws to a close with 67 matches, including 24 as captain—a role he assumed in 2022 after taking over from Virat Kohli. He amassed 4,301 runs, laced with 12 centuries, including a highest score of 212.
His red-ball journey was anything but ordinary. Originally set to debut in 2010, fate intervened with a last-minute injury. It wasn’t until 2013 that he finally made his long-awaited Test debut against the West Indies in Kolkata, marking it in style with a century. He followed it up with another ton in Mumbai, setting the tone for what was to come.
However, the early promise seemed to fade over the next five years, with only one century during that stretch—against Sri Lanka in Nagpur (2017). The tide turned in 2019 when Rohit was promoted to opener in a home series against South Africa. He responded with two centuries and a career-best 212 in Ranchi, reigniting his Test career.
Highs and Lows of Leadership
Rohit’s leadership tenure was marked by notable highs and challenging lows. He captained India to a famous 4-1 Test series triumph against England in 2024, scoring two centuries and leading a relatively inexperienced squad from behind.
However, the 2024–25 season saw a steep dip in form. Rohit managed just one fifty-plus score in 15 innings, causing his average to drop from 45.46 to 41.5. His leadership too came under scrutiny, especially after India suffered a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home—their first home series loss in over a decade.
In his final Test series in Australia, Rohit even sat out a match citing poor form. His last appearance came during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, after which India succumbed to a 3-1 series defeat.
End of an Era
Rohit’s departure comes just ahead of India’s high-profile tour of England, where they are scheduled to play five Tests. His retirement opens the door for a new leadership era in red-ball cricket, with selectors now set to name a new captain for the tour.
Despite the ups and downs, Rohit Sharma leaves behind a legacy of resilience, elegance, and a fighting spirit that defined his second innings as a Test cricketer. His contributions at the top of the order and his evolution as a tactician will be remembered as an integral chapter in Indian cricket’s rich history.
