Rohit Sharma’s Test Cricket Retirement: A Legendary Career Bows Out

Last published/edited on 2025-05-08

Cricket fans around the world were met with a wave of nostalgia and emotion when Rohit Sharma officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025. The long-format game, often considered the ultimate test of skill and temperament, will no longer feature one of its most elegant stroke-makers. Rohit's decision, announced on Instagram, came after months of speculation and a recent dip in form, but it doesn’t diminish his towering legacy.

A Storied Career: Rohit’s Test Journey

Rohit Sharma’s journey in Test cricket began in 2013 with a memorable debut against the West Indies, where he scored 177 runs. Over the next decade, he played 67 Test matches, scoring 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. His highest Test score, 212, came against South Africa in 2019. His adaptability, especially after being promoted to opener in 2019, revived his red-ball career and contributed significantly to India's success.

As a Test captain, Rohit led India in 24 matches, bringing them to the World Test Championship final in 2023. His calm demeanour, strategic acumen, and player-first leadership style earned him praise from teammates and opponents.

Thank you, Captain 🫡🫡

End of an era in whites!@ImRo45 bids adieu to Test cricket. He will continue to lead India in ODIs.
We are proud of you, Hitman 🫡🫡 pic.twitter.com/azlpZFWdhn
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 7, 2025

Comparisons with Cricket Legends

Rohit's retirement draws inevitable comparisons with other cricket greats like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. Tendulkar's 200-Test career, Dhoni's tactical brilliance, and Kohli's aggressive leadership form benchmarks in Indian cricket. While Rohit may not match their statistical dominance, his role as a stabiliser and captain during transitional phases was critical. Like Dhoni, Rohit exits gracefully, opening up the team to younger leadership without waiting for a decline to set in. His Test contributions may not be as vast as Kohli's, but his white-ball dominance and timely Test centuries make him a modern great in his own right.

Fun fact: Rohit Sharma announced his test retirement same as Dhoni at 1929 hours(IST).

Rohith Sharma's retirement post shared on his Instagram.

Key Milestones

Test Debut (Nov 2013): 177 runs in first innings against West Indies.
Leadership: Captained India in 24 Tests (with a 50% win ratebusiness-standard.com), leading the side to the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia.
All Formats Success: While his Test runs stand at 4,301, Rohit also scored 11,168 ODI runs (32 centuries) and 4,231 T20I runs.
Captaincy in test cricket: His Test captaincy record (12 wins, 9 losses, 50% win rate) demonstrates a positive tenure (business-standard.com). Throughout, Rohit remained a fan favourite and a fixture of India’s batting lineup.
Did you know? Rohit is still the only cricketer with three ODI double hundreds, and holds the highest individual ODI score (264). Legend stuff!

Why Rohit Retired Now

Several factors likely influenced Rohit’s decision. His Test average over the last 15 innings dropped significantly, and selectors were reportedly planning to rest him for the upcoming series. Rather than risk being dropped, Rohit took the dignified route by stepping away on his own terms.

At 38, the physical demands of Test cricket were intensifying, and with key white-ball tournaments approaching, focusing on ODIS and IPL made strategic sense. His decision also clears the path for emerging players to find their footing in the longest format.

What Lies Ahead for Team India?

As for the batting order, India will look at options like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and B Sai Sudharsan to take over at the top. This transition is not just about replacing one player but about reimagining India’s red-ball strategy for the next WTC cycle.

Rohit’s Continuing Role in White-Ball Cricket

While Rohit has stepped away from Test cricket, his journey in ODIs and the IPL continues. He is still India’s captain in ODIs and holds the record for the highest individual score (264) in the format. His white-ball career includes over 11,000 ODI runs and three double centuries, a feat unmatched by any other player.

In the IPL, Rohit continues to lead Mumbai Indians and is likely to serve as a mentor to younger players even after retiring from international formats. Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket marks the end of a remarkable era. He may not have the longest red-ball record, but his contributions were timely, impactful, and filled with class. As India prepares for a new chapter, Rohit’s legacy will be felt in every cover drive played by the next generation.