In a development that has stunned the Indian cricketing fraternity, Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. The Indian skipper, who recently guided the national team to two ICC titles in a single year, made the announcement via his official Instagram story, catching fans and fellow cricketers by surprise.
“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 whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” wrote Rohit.
The announcement came shortly after widespread reports suggested that the BCCI selectors were contemplating a leadership change in the red-ball format. The 38-year-old’s decision has now opened the door for a new era in Indian Test cricket, just ahead of the crucial five-match Test series in England.
Rohit’s Remarkable Test Journey
Rohit made his Test debut in 2013 and evolved into one of India’s most reliable batters in the longer format, particularly in the latter half of his career. Starting in the middle order, he later cemented his place as an opener, showcasing remarkable adaptability and resilience.
Across 67 Test matches, he amassed 4,301 runs, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, at an average of 40.57. His calm and calculated approach at the top of the order played a pivotal role in India’s successes at home and abroad. As captain, Rohit led India in 24 Test matches, winning 12 and losing 9.
Notably, he guided India to the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia and presided over high-profile series such as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and home contests against New Zealand. However, recent results—a 0-3 loss to New Zealand at home and a 1-3 defeat in Australia—added to scrutiny over his leadership.
Ajinkya Rahane Left “Shocked” by Rohit’s Decision
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane, who has shared the dressing room with Rohit Sharma for over a decade, was visibly stunned when told about the retirement after his team’s IPL 2025 fixture against Chennai Super Kings.
“Oh, is it?” Rahane responded in disbelief when a journalist informed him about the announcement. “I didn’t know. I’m actually shocked. I was playing a game, so I wasn’t aware. But I just want to wish him the best.”
Rahane fondly recalled Rohit’s evolution in Test cricket, praising his selfless adaptability.
“He started at No. 5 or 6 and then took up the role of an opener. The way he adjusted was simply amazing. He always looked to play with freedom and encouraged others to do the same.”
“I’ll probably call him once I get back to the dressing room or send him a message,” he added. “But I definitely want to congratulate him on a fantastic Test career.”
Search for India’s Next Red-Ball Leader Begins
With Rohit stepping away from Test cricket, the focus now shifts to the question of leadership. Names such as Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant are reportedly being considered as candidates to lead India in the upcoming England series.
KKR’s Playoff Hopes Take a Hit
Meanwhile, Rahane’s Kolkata Knight Riders suffered a narrow defeat to CSK, which has pushed their playoff hopes to the brink. The game saw an explosive partnership between Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube, turning the tide in CSK’s favour.
“It was a really tough pill to swallow,” Rahane admitted. “We were 10–15 runs short. A target of 185–195 would have been ideal on this pitch.”
Rahane acknowledged that one over—particularly the 30-run assault from Brevis off Vaibhav Arora—was the turning point.
“In this format, one over changes everything. They took their chances and were brave—it paid off.”
With two league matches remaining, KKR’s only option is to win both and hope for favorable results elsewhere.
“Try to win two out of two, and then see what happens from there,” Rahane concluded.
