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Key Points

India's cricket landscape is set for a significant transformation with Rohit Sharma's unexpected Test retirement announcement. The veteran captain, who has been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket, is stepping away from the longest format while maintaining his ODI commitments. Rohit's decision comes after struggling in recent Test series against Australia and New Zealand, signaling a potential generational shift in the team's leadership. With Shubman Gill emerging as the probable next Test captain, this marks a crucial transition moment for Indian cricket.

Key Points: Rohit Sharma Retires from Test Cricket Ahead of England Tour

  • Rohit ends Test career with 40.57 average and 12 centuries
  • Shubman Gill likely successor as Test captain
  • Retirement follows poor performance in recent series
  • Continues commitment to ODI format
3 min read

India captain Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket, to continue playing ODIs

India captain Rohit Sharma shockingly announces Test retirement, continues ODI career after 4,301 runs in 67 matches

"Its been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. - Rohit Sharma"

New Delhi, May 7

India captain Rohit Sharma has announced an abrupt retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect, adding that he will continue to play in ODIs. Rohit’s decision means that a new skipper will be in place for the Indian team when they tour England for a five-match Test series starting on June 20.

Placing his Test cap number 280 in an Instagram story posted on Wednesday evening, Rohit wrote, “Hello everyone I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. Its 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 had struggled in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, which India lost 3-1. He averaged just 6.20 in five innings and also dropped himself for the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Before that, Rohit had a forgettable time in India’s 3-0 home series defeat to New Zealand, averaging just 15.16.

IANS understands that with an eye to create a Test team for the future, especially with the Test tour of England marking the start of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Rohit announced his retirement from the format.

“This was a development which had been in the making for a long time, despite him claiming during the TV interview in Sydney Test that he won’t be going away anytime soon. So, one can say that the writing was on the wall. Subsequently, the selection of Test team for the upcoming England tour has been deferred by two weeks,” said a source aware of the development to IANS.

Rohit ends his Test career which began with a century on debut against the West Indies in Kolkata in 2013 with 4,301 runs coming from 67 Tests at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. Rohit led India in 24 Tests, winning 12 and losing nine games.

In June 2024, Rohit had announced his retirement from T20Is after India beat South Africa by seven runs to win the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup. With Rohit announcing retirement from Tests, Shubman Gill is the front-runner to be the next Test captain, as the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee aims to infuse some new blood into the side.

Gill, 25, had been the vice-captain in white-ball formats and with Jasprit Bumrah unlikely to be available for all five Test matches in England, he is very much primed to be India’s next Test captain. He is currently captaining Gujarat Titans (GT), who are on top of IPL 2025 points table.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aniket P.
End of an era! Rohit Sharma gave us some memorable Test moments, especially that dream debut century. Sad to see him go but understandable given recent form. Hope he continues to shine in ODIs 🇮🇳 #Hitman
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Priya K.
Mixed feelings about this. While I respect his decision, retiring right before England tour puts BCCI in a tough spot. Should have completed this series at least. Shubman Gill as captain? Too soon no? 🤔
R
Rahul S.
His Test stats don't lie - average of 40+ is decent but not legendary. Maybe focusing on ODIs will help extend his career. That pull shot will be missed in whites though! Best wishes Hitman 🙏
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Sneha M.
Emotional day for Indian cricket fans 😢 From that epic 177 at Eden Gardens to leading us to WTC final, thank you for the memories Rohit! Now let's groom Gill properly - no pressure tactics please!
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Vikram J.
Smart move actually. Test cricket is brutal and he's not getting younger. Better to go out on his own terms than be dropped. Hope he smashes records in ODIs now! #45inWC2027
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Kavita R.
As a Mumbaikar, so proud of our boy! From local trains to Test captaincy - what a journey! But BCCI should have better succession planning. Why always last minute changes? 🤦‍♀️

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