Table of Contents
Indian cricket stalwart and celebrated opener, Rohit Sharma, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, drawing the curtain on a distinguished red-ball career that spanned over a decade. The 38-year-old cricketer made his decision public through a heartfelt post on Instagram, where he conveyed his profound gratitude for the opportunity to represent India in the longest format of the game. While stepping away from Test duties, Rohit confirmed his intention to continue playing One Day Internationals (ODIs) for the national side.
Rohit Sharma sheds light on his Test retirement
The timing of Rohit’s retirement has come as a surprise to many fans, particularly as it precedes the highly anticipated five-match Test series against England. However, speculation regarding his future in the Test team had been circulating for some time, fuelled by a noticeable dip in his recent form and ongoing discussions within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) concerning a potential leadership transition in the red-ball format.
In a candid interview following his announcement, Rohit shed light on the primary motivation behind his decision. “Sabko young captain chahiye hota hai… jo 10-15 saal ki captaincy kare. Toh mujhe laga ki ab mujhe nahi milega. Lekin main hamesha aabhari rahunga ki mujhe mauka mila (Everyone wants a young captain who can lead for 10-15 years. So I felt I wouldn’t get that chance anymore. But I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity I was given),” said Rohit in an interview with senior Indian journalist Vimal Kumar.
This statement underscores his understanding of the team’s long-term vision and his acceptance that a younger player was likely to be entrusted with the captaincy for the foreseeable future.
BCCI moves forward for a new Test captain
According to multiple reports, Rohit had been contemplating retirement from the Test format since India’s victory in the Champions Trophy earlier this year. With a new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on the horizon, he reportedly felt that this moment presented the opportune time to step aside, thereby allowing a younger leader to assume responsibility and build a team for the next cycle.
Reports further suggest that the BCCI selectors had already reached a decision to move forward with a new Test captain for the upcoming England tour, signalling a planned transition away from Rohit. While the board was initially inclined to have Rohit continue in the role following his recent successes in white-ball cricket, the selectors harbored concerns regarding his form in the red-ball format and recognized the imperative need for a long-term captaincy solution. Although Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit’s deputy, had previously led India in Tests, the BCCI is reportedly hesitant to confer the full-time captaincy upon a fast bowler, citing potential injury risks associated with the demanding role.
Also READ: 3 ideal captaincy candidates for Team India after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket
