Rohit Sharma Announces Retirement from Test Cricket

In a significant development for Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most accomplished batters and the current red-ball captain, has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. This decision, made just ahead of the highly anticipated India vs England Test series, marks the end of a roller-coaster journey in the longest format of the game. Rohit, who made his Test debut in 2013, leaves behind a legacy marked by resilience, reinvention, and leadership. While he had expressed a desire to continue leading the side during the IPL 2025, changing dynamics within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) led to an early and somewhat unexpected conclusion to his Test career.

Why in News?

On May 7, 2025, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket. He made this decision shortly before the upcoming India vs England Test series, despite earlier expressing interest in leading the squad. The BCCI’s decision to look for a younger leader ahead of the new 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle influenced this move.

Career Overview

Test Debut & Early Promise (2013)

• Made his Test debut in 2013, scoring centuries in his first two Tests at home.
• Showed immense promise as a middle-order batsman.

Inconsistencies & Struggles

• Faced challenges in cementing his place in the middle order.
• Frequent injuries and form slumps led to limited appearances for several years.

Transformation as an Opener (Post-2019)

• In 2019, was promoted to the top order—a turning point in his Test career.
• Excelled as an opener, especially in home conditions, scoring big runs with elegant stroke play.

Captaincy Era (2022–2025)

• Took over Test captaincy in 2022 after Virat Kohli stepped down.
• Led India through series wins but also suffered major defeats, notably against New Zealand and Australia.
• His leadership was praised for stability, though questioned during away performances.

Exit Factors

• Despite good intent, Rohit’s form dipped during the last Test series.
• At age 38, BCCI preferred a younger leader to guide India into the next WTC cycle.
• He recently retired from T20Is, and the Test retirement appears to align with his overall transition from international formats.