Team India’s senior opener and captain, Rohit Sharma, has retired from Test cricket. He announced on the evening of 7 May 2025 through an Instagram story. This news came as a big shock to fans and cricket experts because Rohit was expected to lead India in the upcoming five-Test series against England after IPL 2025.
However, questions are now being raised about whether Rohit made this decision willingly or was forced to depart from the game’s longest format. Just one hour before his retirement news came out, some media reports claimed that BCCI had informed Rohit that he would not continue as Test captain for the England tour. This sudden report, followed by his announcement, has created a fresh controversy.
Did the Test Captaincy News Lead to Rohit’s Exit?
As per fans and cricket circles, it seems more than just a coincidence that Rohit decided to quit after reports came that he would be removed as Test captain. Though Rohit did not mention any reason in his statement, many believe he might have received a call or official message from BCCI regarding his captaincy role. This may have led him to make a sudden decision.
Sources had reported earlier that BCCI was considering a younger captain for Test matches, especially with the England tour in sight. The selection committee and senior officials reportedly wanted to start a new phase with long-term planning.
Rohit’s Performance in Test Cricket This Year Was Poor
Rohit Sharma had a forgettable year with the bat in Test cricket. In 2024, he played 14 Test matches and scored only 619 runs in 26 innings, averaging 24.76. Though he hit 2 centuries, his recent form was concerning. In his last 9 innings, Rohit scored only 68 runs, which added pressure on his place in the squad.
This drop in performance may also have influenced the selectors’ thinking. However, Rohit denied retirement talks during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he skipped a test match. But now, it is clear that the same series was his last in whites.
Rohit Sharma’s Full Test Career at a Glance
Rohit Sharma made his Test debut on 6 November 2013 against West Indies in Kolkata. In his 12-year Test career, he played 67 matches and scored 4301 runs in 116 innings, with an average of around 46. He smashed 12 centuries and 18 fifties, with his highest score of 212 runs.
Rohit’s Test career had a late but strong peak after he began opening the innings in 2019. Under his captaincy, India performed well at home, but overseas results remained mixed.
Rohit has confirmed that he will continue playing ODI cricket for India. His farewell from Tests has now opened the door for a new leader in red-ball cricket.
Source: ABP News
