Rohit Sharma Opens Up About Test Career and IPL Focus

Rohit Sharma Discusses Test Career Amid IPL Focus

In a rare interview on Vimal Kumar's YouTube channel, Rohit Sharma has addressed the ongoing speculation regarding his Test career. As India gears up for a five-match Test series in England this June, he spoke candidly about his recent challenges in Test cricket and the expectations placed on him as a leader.

Following India's failure to qualify for the World Test Championship final, many fans and former players have raised concerns about Rohit Sharma's future in the longer format of the game. However, recent reports indicate that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to retain him for the upcoming tour to England.

"I haven’t thought much about the England tour yet. IPL is going on now. We want to win the IPL. My thoughts are all about this. I have said before, also, focus on what’s going on now. I believe in that," Rohit stated when asked about his immediate future in Test cricket.

Despite facing difficulties in recent Test series, including a disappointing average of 6.20 in Australia, Rohit expressed satisfaction with his contributions to the format.

"As long as you play a sport, you will never be happy with your performance! I am happy with what god has given me rather than thinking about why I didn’t do this, that. It’s all written in destiny – you will get this amount. Whatever I do, I am going to get only this. I don’t want to be hyper self-critical with Test cricket; I am happy with what I have done," he remarked.

"One who is sensible knows how to criticise"

Rohit also shared his thoughts on the nature of criticism in Indian cricket, noting that reactions to both success and failure can be extreme, a reality he has learned to accept over time.

"I have understood the system: when you do well, the reaction is too much and the same when you don’t do well. Too much on both times. What can I do about this? Just go with it. If you don’t do well, get ready for criticism. I am not saying one shouldn’t criticise, but you have to be mindful of criticism. Just that it shouldn’t be personal and should not have any agenda. One who is sensible knows how to criticise."

He emphasized that external opinions do not sway his mindset, as long as he remains focused on his personal goals.

"You don’t have to live to keep other people’s expectations; it’s about what you want. What the world thinks expects doesn’t matter as they are not part of my journey. No one knows how I have dealt with training, handled ups and downs in my life, no one apart from your close ins don’t know about. I don’t keep unreal expectations, it’s simple and it’s my expectations."

Also READ: "One of the best days...": Dhoni reflects on CSK's loss vs PBKS

Rohit Sharma is set to return to the IPL on May 1, facing off against the Rajasthan Royals. Although he had a rocky start to the tournament, he has recently delivered back-to-back match-winning performances. As MI aims for their sixth consecutive victory in IPL 2025, Rohit Sharma's form will be crucial for the five-time champions.