NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket at the age of 38, drawing curtains on a remarkable red-ball journey filled with iconic records, leadership highs and lows, and moments of sublime batting brilliance. Known for his elegance at the crease and ability to dominate attacks, Rohitโs Test career is a tale of resilience and transformation.
Early Promise and a Career-Defining Switch in 2019
Rohit Sharmaโs Test career began in 2013 with a century on debut against the West Indies. Initially a middle-order batter, his Test journey saw a breakthrough in 2019 when he was promoted to open the innings. This strategic decision transformed his career, as he amassed 2,594 runs in 34 Tests as an opener, including nine centuries and seven half-centuries. His stunning 212 against South Africa in Visakhapatnam marked his entry as a formidable Test opener.
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Dominance at Home and Adaptability Overseas
On Indian soil, Rohit was a force of nature, averaging 51.37 in 22 Tests with seven centuries. His home record was defined by fluency against spin and a series of consistent scores. Yet, his growth was most visible in overseas conditions, where he countered seam and swing. In England, he averaged 44.66, including a match-winning century at The Oval in 2021, proving his mettle in difficult conditions.
Leadership: A Mixed Legacy
Rohitโs leadership in Test cricket was marked by a mix of highs and lows. Under his captaincy, India faced a 2-1 series defeat against New Zealand at home and a 4-1 loss in Australia. His form as a batter also dipped significantly, most notably during the 2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he averaged just 6.20 in five innings. As his form declined, the BCCIโs selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, decided to move on from him as captain ahead of the England tour.
Retirement Decision: The Final Call
Despite expressing interest in continuing as a specialist batter, Rohit chose to retire after discussions with selectors. His decision came amid a prolonged lean patch and leadership challenges. The BCCIโs backing of the selectorsโ choice effectively marked the end of his Test career.
Countless memories, magnificent moments.
Thank you, Captain ๐ซก๐ซก#RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/l6cudgyaZC
โ BCCI (@BCCI) May 7, 2025
Rohit Sharmaโs Record-Breaking Achievements in Tests
- Twin Centuries as Opener on Debut (2019) – 176 and 127 against South Africa in Visakhapatnam.
- Second-Most Sixes by an Indian in Tests – 88 sixes, behind only Virender Sehwag (91).
- First Indian to Score Centuries in All Formats (Tests, ODIs, T20Is).
- Most Sixes in a Single Test Match – 13 against South Africa in 2019.
- Seven Consecutive 50+ Scores at Home (2019-2021) – An unmatched streak of consistency.
- Sixes in First Two Balls of a Test Innings (2023) – A fearless approach against West Indies.
The Legacy of a Transformative Player
Rohit Sharmaโs Test career is a narrative of evolution โ from a middle-order player struggling for consistency to a world-class opener who could dismantle bowling attacks with ease. His journey is a testament to his adaptability, resilience, and ability to succeed in the most challenging conditions.
As Rohit steps away from the red-ball format, he leaves behind a legacy defined by remarkable records, leadership lessons, and unforgettable innings. His contribution to Indian cricket in whites will be remembered as a tale of transformation and tenacity.
