Rohit Sharma Announces Retirement from Test Cricket After T20Is, Will Continue in ODIs
Now officially the end of the era of Indian Test cricket under Rohit Sharma, he has announced his own retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect, only weeks before India's important five-Test series against England.
Rohit Sharma also confirmed he would still continue to captain India in white-ball cricket, including T20Is and ODIs.
"It has been an absolute privilege to represent my country in whites," Rohit said in a touching social media post. "Thank you for all your love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format."
https://x.com/ICC/status/1920308987183980997
Rohit exits Test cricket with 4301 runs in 67 matches at an average of 40.57 including 12 centuries with a career-best of 212 against South Africa in Ranchi in 2019. While he has not been in great form in the most recent series - including a particularly bad tour of Australia where he averaged just 10.93 - his contribution has been celebrated as both a batter and a leader.
BCCI President Roger Binny described Rohit as a calming presence, and praised him for professionalism and leadership. “He brought a sense of calm and assurance to the team,” Binny said. “Rohit also leaves a culture of discipline and selflessness.”
The move follows months of speculation over Rohit and Virat Kohli’s futures. Though head coach Gautam Gambhir had recently stated the senior players could continue to play as long as they were performing, after leading India to the Champions Trophy title in March, Rohit ultimately decided to move on.
https://x.com/BCCI/status/1920126481348329927
India now has the immediately difficult job of appointing a new Test captain before the tour of England. Shubman Gill is viewed as a strong candidate, while Jasprit Bumrah, the current vice-captain, is also a consideration—albeit, the injury concerns create challenges.
With Rohit’s period as a red-ball cricketer at an end, it marks the end of resilient period in India cricket and the transition into a new chapter. The selector’s are expected to name the Test squad soon.
Also Read: Riyan Parag Creates IPL History with Six Consecutive Sixes