India captain Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending a memorable chapter in his long international career. The 38-year-old confirmed his decision through a social media post on Wednesday, saying he will continue to represent India in One Day Internationals and Twenty20 cricket.
“It has been an absolute honor to represent my country in whites,” Rohit wrote. “Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to play in the ODI format and look forward to contributing to Indian cricket in the shorter versions.”
Rohit, one of India’s most celebrated openers, leaves behind a strong legacy in Test cricket. He played 67 matches, scoring 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, with 12 centuries and 16 fifties. His highest score, 212, came against South Africa in Ranchi in 2019.
A Late Bloomer in the Long Format
Rohit’s Test career took time to find stability. Although he made his Test debut in 2013, his real breakthrough came years later when he was promoted to open the innings. His calm temperament and stylish stroke play helped India win several key matches both at home and overseas.
However, form in recent years became a challenge. Rohit scored only one century in his last 19 Test innings, and a prolonged run drought saw him drop himself from the Sydney Test earlier this year. The move sparked conversations about the growing workload on senior players.
Despite that, Rohit’s leadership as captain has been widely praised. Under his captaincy, India reached the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup and lifted the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. He also guided India to their second T20 World Cup title in the West Indies in 2024 before stepping away from the shortest format.
Impact Beyond Test Cricket in India
Rohit’s retirement from Tests marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, but his presence in limited overs formats remains invaluable. His record in ODIs is one of the finest in history, with three double centuries, including a world record 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014.
Known for his effortless timing and ability to dominate attacks once set, Rohit has been one of India’s most reliable match winners in white ball cricket. He has over 10,000 runs in ODIs with an average above 48, placing him among the top run scorers in the world.
The Road Ahead for Team India
With Rohit stepping away from the red ball game, the Indian Test team enters a new phase. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who served as Rohit’s deputy, captained the side during two matches in Australia last season. However, the Indian board may prefer a long-term captain from among the batters, considering Bumrah’s workload and injury management.
India is set to begin their next Test series against England on June 20 in Leeds, marking the start of a new leadership era.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India paid tribute to Rohit’s contribution, calling him a “leader who shaped a generation of cricketers.”
“Thank you, Captain. End of an era in whites,” the BCCI wrote in its post following his announcement.
Rohit’s decision brings closure to a Test career defined by elegance, determination, and leadership. As he continues in ODIs and T20s, Indian fans will still have plenty of chances to see their captain play the way only Rohit Sharma can.