In a significant turn of events for Indian cricket, star batter Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the nation's most celebrated players. The announcement came shortly after the national selectors decided to remove him as the skipper for the upcoming Test series against England, slated to begin next month. Rohit, who previously led India to numerous victories, including the 2024 T20 World Cup, expressed gratitude for his journey in the longest format of the game.
Rohit, 38, reflected on the three years he spent under the guidance of former coach Rahul Dravid, who played a pivotal role in shaping his career. "I know everything about Rahul bhai. What kind of human being is he? We worked together for three years. He is very special to me. He was the one who gave me my first Indian (ODI) cap. When I made my debut in Ireland, he was the captain. So I can’t ever forget those special moments in my life," Rohit shared during a conversation with Vimal Kumar on his YouTube channel.
During his tenure as head coach from November 2021 to June 2024, Dravid was instrumental in leading India to their first ICC trophy in years when they clinched the T20 World Cup in 2024. Rohit praised Dravid's influence on his game, emphasizing how the coach's support allowed him to play with freedom. "It was my game, but I needed support. And Rahul bhai gave me that support. He told me, ‘You are mature enough to know what you are doing. I trust your game. Whatever you are doing, I understand why you are doing it,’" Rohit explained, highlighting the trust Dravid placed in him as a leader.
Rohit’s aggressive batting style has earned him a reputation for giving India fast starts in matches, a trait he attributes to the encouragement he received from Dravid. "He said, ‘Here’s your team. I am here to support you. But I will challenge you and ask you questions, but it’s your team, you lead them how you want,’" Rohit recalled, illustrating the collaborative dynamic they shared.
Despite their strong bond, Rohit admitted that he and Dravid did not always see eye to eye, especially regarding team selection. "It has happened, strongly (disagreement). It has happened many times and there is nothing wrong in it. Why shouldn’t there be an argument? I believe that where there is no argument, there is something wrong," Rohit stated, emphasizing the importance of healthy debate in a team environment.
Rohit’s decision to retire from Test cricket comes on the heels of his earlier retirement from T20 Internationals, which he announced after leading India to the World Cup title. He reassured fans that he will continue to represent India in the ODI format, saying, "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." This commitment ensures that his experience and leadership will still be present in the shorter formats of the game.
As Rohit steps away from Test cricket, he leaves behind a legacy filled with remarkable achievements, including leading India to the finals of the 2023 World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup. His contributions to Indian cricket have been significant, and he will be remembered for his aggressive batting and leadership skills.
Looking ahead, the selectors are now tasked with finding a suitable replacement for Rohit as captain for the Test series against England. This transition marks a new chapter for Indian cricket as they prepare for future challenges on the international stage. The upcoming series will be crucial for the new captain, who will need to navigate the pressures of leading a team that has experienced both highs and lows under Rohit’s tenure.
Rohit’s retirement from the longest format is not just a personal milestone but a moment that reflects the evolving landscape of Indian cricket. As new talents emerge and seasoned players transition out, the focus will shift to how the team adapts and grows in the coming years. The cricketing community will undoubtedly watch closely as this new era unfolds, with hopes that it builds upon the foundations laid by Rohit and Dravid.
In conclusion, Rohit Sharma’s departure from Test cricket signifies the end of an important chapter for Indian cricket. His contributions as a player and leader have left an indelible mark, and while he steps back from the longest format, his influence will continue to resonate throughout the team as they look to the future.
