Rohit Sharma has stepped down from Test cricket ahead of England tour. Rohit’s decision marks the end of a distinguished Test career that began in 2013. Over 67 matches, he amassed 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. He led India in 24 Tests, winning 12 and losing nine. Known for his elegance and composure at the crease, Rohit became a reliable opener and a respected leader in recent years.
The timing of the announcement follows a period of speculation regarding his place in the Test side, especially after a series of underwhelming performances. In his last nine Tests, Rohit averaged just 10.93, including a difficult tour of Australia where India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 and a home series defeat to New Zealand. Reports had suggested that selectors were considering a change in leadership ahead of the new World Test Championship cycle, with Shubman Gill emerging as a likely candidate for the captaincy.
Rohit’s retirement from Tests comes less than a year after he led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, ending a 13-year drought in ICC tournaments. He had already retired from T20Is following that triumph. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) praised Rohit’s contributions, highlighting his professionalism, sportsmanship, and the culture of discipline he fostered within the team.
With Rohit stepping away from Test cricket, India will soon announce a new captain for the upcoming England tour, signalling a new era in the team’s red-ball journey. Rohit’s legacy, however, will endure in the shorter formats, where his leadership and batting remain invaluable.
