Rohit Sharma Test Cricket Journey :
Rohit Sharma is one of the most talented cricketers of the Indian cricket team. He announced retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025. His decision marks the end of an unmatched red-ball career that we enjoyed over the past years. He has retired by leaving a significant impact on Indian cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s Test cricket journey is a story of everlasting, flexibility, and unmatched achievements. He debuted in November 2013 against the West Indies. Rohit played very strongly and made an identity with a spectacular 177 at Eden Gardens. It was the highest score by an Indian on Test debut. He continued his record with another century in his second match that helped in quickly establishing his class at the international level.
Before these performances Rohit’s place in the Test team was inconsistent for many years. In 2019 he was promoted to open the batting. This chance that his Test career truly flourished. As an opener of the match he scored nine of his 12 Test centuries and maintained an impressive average of 42.80.
In his 67-match Test career Rohit Sharma scored about 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. His highest score was 212 against South Africa in 2019. All 12 of his Test hundreds came in the matches for which India made a world record. Rohit was also known for his aggressive stroke play by hitting 473 fours and 88 sixes.It was the second-most sixes by an Indian cricketer in Tests after Virender Sehwag.
Because of Rohit’s leadership qualities he was appointed Test captain in 2022 after Virat Kohli’s captaincy. As captain he led India in 24 Tests by winning 12 and losing 9 matches. Under his leadership India has achieved memorable series wins against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Australia, and England but also suffered losses including a 0-3 loss to New Zealand in 2024.
Rohit contributed four centuries in this role while his batting average was 30.58 as captain. He was also identified as a reliable fielder by taking 68 catches and also picked up two wickets with his off-spin.
Rohit’s Test career ended in 2024 after a challenging run of form but his initial impact remains unforgettable. From a recorded debut to becoming one of India’s most successful openers and captains. Rohit Sharma’s Test career is defined by elegance, adaptability, and excellence in Indian victories.
Why Did Rohit Sharma Retire from Test Cricket?
Rohit retired just before the announcement of India’s squad for the five-Test series in England that was starting from June 20, 2025.
In his whole career Rohit became a regular Test opener from 2019 by quickly establishing himself with several centuries. He made history with a double century against South Africa. These excellent performances made his career even brighter. He led India in 23 Tests after taking over from Virat Kohli in 2022.
He was known for his elegant batting style and ability to continue long innings and history making performances. But his recent form goes down with an average of just 10.93 in his last nine Tests
Reasons Behind the Decision
Performance Decline:
Rohit struggled in recent series in his captaincy especially during the 2024-25 tour of Australia and the home series against New Zealand. where India failed to not just achieve Good scores but also lost five out of six Tests under his captaincy.
Selectors’ Call:
Some reports stated that selectors had already decided to remove him as Test captain due to his recent poor form and India’s results in the last few Test series.according to reports the BCCI selectors were looking to change leadership and considering younger options for the new WTC cycle.
Personal Choice:
Rohit Sharma himself said that he had made up his mind to retire Indian team’s victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy. He shared the feeling it was the right time to start a new World Test Championship. After leading India to major white-ball titles-the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy-Rohit felt it was the right time to focus on ODIs.
Official Announcement:
Rohit made his announcement via social media, stating:
“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 a Test match. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format.”
What’s Next for Rohit Sharma?
ODI Cricket: Rohit confirmed he will continue to play and hope to lead the Indian team as captain in One Day Internationals aiming for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
T20Is: Rohit Sharma will continue his career in ODI cricket because he had already retired from T20 internationals after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Leadership Transition: With Rohit retirement the Indian selectors are considering younger players for capitancy. Resources says that there will be a chance of Shubman Gill for new Test captaincy while Jasprit Bumrah remains the vice-captain.
Rohit Sharma’s Legacy in Test Cricket:
Late Bloomer: Rohit’s test career was initially rare but he became a dependable opener and a key figure in the success of domestic and international test cricket.
Leadership: He led India to the World Test Championship final and maintained a strong home record as captain.
Inspiration: Rohit has an inspirational journey from a middle-order batsman to a successful opener and leader. It will inspire future generations of cricketers to struggle hard.
Read Also : Who Is Sachin Baby
Summary:
Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket makes a significant loss in Indian cricket. Despite his recent struggles and poor performance in his captaincy his achievements will be fresh in every cricket lover. More than 4,300 runs with12 centuries and great leadership will specify his place among great crickets of India. He now looks to focus on ODIs with new energy. while the Indian Test team prepares for a new era under fresh leadership
