In a dramatic development that has taken the cricketing world by surprise, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket. The announcement came shortly after reports emerged that the BCCI’s senior selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, had decided to relieve him of Test captaincy ahead of the upcoming tour of England.
Rohit Sharma, affectionately known as the “Hitman” among cricket fans, took to Instagram to confirm his retirement. In his post, he stated,
"Hello everyone, I just want to say that I am retiring from Test cricket. It is an absolute honour to represent my country in the white team. Thank you for the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in ODI cricket as well."
Sources within the BCCI indicate that Rohit's declining form in red-ball cricket played a crucial role in the decision. Under his leadership, India has suffered defeats in five of their last six Tests against formidable opponents like New Zealand and Australia. Most notably, Rohit was dropped from the playing XI for the final Test of the recent series in Sydney due to poor performance.
The selectors are reportedly working on a long-term roadmap for India’s Test squad. A series of meetings, including the most recent one in Mumbai, were held to plan the future of Indian Test cricket. Rohit’s retirement decision, although abrupt, appears to have been accepted and supported by senior board officials.
Speculation had been swirling in recent days following widespread rumors about Rohit’s removal from Test captaincy. These intensified after his recent podcast with former Australian captain Michael Clarke, where Rohit had expressed his strong desire to lead the team in England. However, the selectors’ vision for the future appears to have moved in a different direction.
Though primarily known for his white-ball brilliance, Rohit Sharma had several memorable performances in Test cricket, including crucial centuries at home and abroad. He brought stability to India’s top order during transitional phases and played a key role in notable series wins.
As Rohit bids farewell to the longest format of the game, tributes from fans, teammates, and cricket experts have started pouring in on social media. While his Test journey concludes, he will continue to don the Indian jersey in ODIs, where he remains one of the most consistent performers.