Rohit Sharma Announces Retirement from Test Cricket: A Look Back at His Journey

Rohit Sharma Bids Farewell to Test Cricket

New Delhi [India] - On May 7, Team India captain Rohit Sharma shared his decision to retire from Test cricket, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in his career. He made this heartfelt announcement through his Instagram story, expressing gratitude for the support he received throughout his journey.

In his message, Rohit stated, "Hello everyone, I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format."

Rohit made his Test debut against the West Indies in November 2013 and went on to play 67 Tests, accumulating 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. His highest score of 212 was achieved during a remarkable home series against South Africa in 2019, making him the 16th-highest run-scorer for India in Test history.

He began his Test career with a memorable 177 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, in 2013. Despite showing great potential, the 'Hitman' faced challenges in establishing himself as a consistent performer in the longer format, particularly during overseas tours. Between 2013 and 2018, he played only 27 Tests, scoring 1,585 runs at an average of 39.63, with three centuries and ten fifties. His best score during this period was 151, and he struggled in SENA countries, which are often seen as a benchmark for great Indian batsmen.

Rohit's Test career experienced a resurgence with the introduction of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), which revitalized his red-ball journey. Promoted to open the innings, he found his rhythm, especially on home turf. In 40 WTC matches, he scored 2,716 runs at an average of 41.15, including nine centuries and eight fifties. His highest score in the WTC was also 212, making him India's leading run-scorer and century-maker in WTC history, ranking 10th among all-time leading scorers in the tournament.

The 2019 series against South Africa at home was particularly outstanding for Rohit, where he amassed 532 runs in three matches at an astonishing average of 132.25, including three centuries, one of which was a double hundred in Ranchi. He initiated his Test revival as an opener with impressive scores of 176 and 127 against South Africa in Visakhapatnam in October 2019.

Rohit's home performance was exceptional, with 2,535 runs in 34 Tests at an average of 51.73, featuring ten centuries and eight fifties across 55 innings. However, his overseas performance was less impressive, with 1,644 runs in 31 Tests at an average of 31.01, including only two centuries and ten fifties in 57 innings. At neutral venues, he played two Tests, scoring 122 runs at an average of 30.50, with a best of 43.

His best overseas performance came during the 2021-22 Pataudi Trophy in England, where he was India's top run-scorer, accumulating 368 runs in four Tests at an average of 52.57, including a memorable 127, his only century in SENA countries.

Rohit faced South Africa 11 times, scoring 738 runs at an average of 38.84, including three centuries and a highest score of 212. However, his performances in South Africa were disappointing, with only 183 runs in six matches at an average of 16.63.

Against England, he scored 1,147 runs in 14 Tests at 47.79, with four centuries and four fifties. In England, he played seven matches, scoring 524 runs at 40.30, with a top score of 127. Against New Zealand, he made 515 runs in nine Tests at 36.78, while in New Zealand, he scored 122 runs at 40.66 across two Tests, with a best of 72. Against Australia, he managed 739 runs in 15 Tests at 28.42, with just one century and three fifties. His record in Australia was particularly poor, with 439 runs in ten Tests at an average of 24.38 and a highest score of 63 not out.

Rohit's dominance against the West Indies was notable, with 578 runs in six Tests at an impressive average of 96.33, including three centuries and two fifties. His debut innings of 177 remains one of his career highlights.

As captain, Rohit led India in 24 Tests, achieving 12 wins, nine losses, and three draws, resulting in a win percentage of 50. He guided India to the final of the 2023 World Test Championship in England, where they fell short against Australia. However, the latter part of his Test career was marred by poor form and disappointing team results.

The 2024-25 season was particularly challenging for him. Across eight Tests and 15 innings, from the home series against Bangladesh to the away Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, he managed only 164 runs, with just one fifty. His form decline coincided with India's struggles, as he became the first Indian captain to lose a home Test series against New Zealand, suffering a 3-0 whitewash. He also led the team during the Australia series, which India lost 3-1, eliminating them from contention for the 2025 WTC final.

Despite the challenges in the latter stages of his career, Rohit Sharma's legacy in Test cricket is one of transformation, resilience, and skill. From a middle-order player who faced difficulties in securing his position to becoming one of India's most dependable openers in the WTC era. As he steps away from Test cricket, Rohit will continue to play for India in the ODI format, where he remains a vital source of experience and leadership.