Rohit Sharma Announces Immediate Retirement from Test Cricket

Rohit Sharma Steps Away from Test Cricket

On Wednesday, Rohit Sharma confirmed his retirement from Test cricket, putting an end to any uncertainty regarding his future in this format.

At 38 years old, Rohit has been India's leading Test batsman in the latter part of his career, amassing 4,301 runs across 67 matches, which includes 12 centuries and 18 fifties, with an average of 40.57.

After previously stepping back from T20 Internationals following last year's World Cup, he will now focus solely on One Day Internationals for India.

In an Instagram post featuring a photo of his Test cap, he expressed, "Hello everyone, I would like to announce my retirement from Test cricket. It has been a tremendous honor to represent my country in this format. Thank you for all the love and support throughout the years. I will continue to play for India in ODIs."

Rohit led India to the World Test Championship final against Australia but faced challenges in recent series against New Zealand and Australia.

With his departure, India will need to appoint a new Test captain for the upcoming five-match series in England, with potential candidates including Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant.

During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit struggled significantly, even opting to drop himself from the playing XI due to his form, although he had dismissed retirement rumors at that time.

There were also rumors regarding tensions with head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been vocal about eliminating the 'star culture' in Indian cricket since taking over last July.

Both Rohit and Gambhir have denied these speculations, but Gambhir has consistently emphasized that only performance will guarantee a place on the team.