Rohit Sharma Announces Retirement from Test Cricket: A Look Back at His Memorable Innings
Rohit Sharma's Retirement Announcement
On May 7, Rohit Sharma, the captain of Team India, declared his retirement from Test cricket. This announcement came shortly after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to relieve him of his captaincy duties ahead of the upcoming tour to England.
Rohit shared his retirement news via an Instagram story, expressing his pride in representing India in Test matches. He confirmed that he will continue to participate in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Over his Test career, he amassed 4,301 runs, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties, with an average of 40.57 across 67 matches.
Highlighting Rohit Sharma's Iconic Test Innings
Debut Century Against West Indies
Rohit Sharma made a stunning entry into Test cricket with a debut century, scoring 177 runs off 301 balls at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. His partnership of 280 runs for the seventh wicket with Ravichandran Ashwin (124) helped India secure a total of 453, leading to a significant innings victory by 51 runs.
Unbeaten 111 at Wankhede
In the second Test of the same series, Rohit scored an impressive unbeaten 111 off 127 balls at Wankhede Stadium, contributing to a first innings total of 495 and setting the stage for another innings victory by 126 runs.
Boxing Day Test Against Australia
During the Boxing Day Test against Australia, Rohit played a crucial innings of 63 runs off 114 balls, aiding India in reaching 443/7. This performance was pivotal in securing a historic 137-run victory, marking India's first Test series win on Australian soil.
Remarkable Comeback Against South Africa
After a year-long hiatus from Test cricket, Rohit made a spectacular return in the first Test against South Africa, scoring 176 runs off 244 balls and forming a 317-run opening partnership with Mayank Agarwal (215). He followed this with a second innings score of 127, leading India to a comprehensive 203-run victory.
First Double Century Against South Africa
Rohit achieved his first double century in Test cricket, scoring 212 runs off 255 balls in the third Test against South Africa. This innings helped India post 497/9, contributing to an innings victory by 202 runs and making him the highest run-scorer of the series with 529 runs at an average of 132.25.
161 Against England in Chennai
In 2021, Rohit scored 161 runs off 231 balls against England in Chennai, showcasing his skill against spin bowling. His innings was instrumental in India's 317-run victory after dismissing England for just 134 runs in the second innings.
127 at The Oval
Rohit silenced his critics with a solid performance at The Oval, scoring 127 runs off 256 balls in the second innings. This was his first Test century in England, helping India secure a 157-run win.
Memorable 131 in Rajkot
In 2024, Rohit scored 131 runs off 196 balls against England in Rajkot, forming a significant partnership with Ravindra Jadeja (112 off 225 balls). Their efforts helped India post 445 runs in the first innings, leading to a record 434-run victory.