In a major development that marks the end of a golden chapter in Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. The 37-year-old, known for his elegant stroke play and calm leadership, departs from the longest format as one of India’s most admired modern-day cricketers. His decision comes after leading India through a transitional period and giving the team much-needed stability at the top of the order.
“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 Sharma, who had retired from T20Is after India won the T20 World Cup last year with him as captain, said in a post on social media on Wednesday evening.
Let’s take a closer look at the legacy Rohit leaves behind in whites.
A Late Bloomer Who Mastered the Red Ball
Rohit Sharma’s Test career did not take off right away, in contrast to many of his peers. In November 2013, during Sachin Tendulkar’s final series, he made his Test debut at Eden Gardens against the West Indies. With a debut score of 177 and a subsequent Test* score of 111, Rohit had a spectacular debut and demonstrated his enormous potential.
But despite his outstanding start, he spent years in and out of the Test squad due to injuries and inconsistency. Rohit’s red-ball career didn’t take off until 2019, when he was elevated to begin the innings in Test matches.
Test Career in Numbers
Rohit Sharma retires with a solid body of work in Test cricket:
- Matches: 67
- Runs: 4,301
- Batting Average: 40.57
- Centuries: 12
- Half-centuries: 18
- Highest Score: 212 vs South Africa (2019, Ranchi)
- Catches: 45
These numbers reflect not only his batting class but also his ability to convert starts into big scores. His 2019 home season, where he amassed 529 runs in 3 Tests against South Africa as an opener, was a defining moment in his career.
Captaincy: A Steady Hand in Transition
Rohit Sharma took over India’s Test captaincy from Virat Kohli in early 2022, becoming only the 35th Test captain of India. He led with composure, particularly during challenging overseas tours and high-pressure home series.
Under his captaincy:
- India reached the World Test Championship Final 2023.
- He maintained an undefeated record at home as a Test captain.
- Young players like Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj, and Axar Patel flourished under his guidance.
While India fell short in the WTC final against Australia, Rohit’s leadership helped navigate a team in transition with professionalism and quiet strength.
Signature Knocks and Memorable Moments
Rohit Sharma’s Test career is dotted with memorable innings that turned matches:
- 177 vs West Indies (2013): One of the best debut innings by an Indian batter.
- 161 vs England (2021, Chennai): A gritty knock on a spinning track, setting up a comeback in the series.
- 127 at The Oval (2021): His maiden overseas Test century, a defining moment in India’s historic tour of England.
- 212 vs South Africa (2019): A dominant double century that silenced critics of his red-ball technique.
A Fitting Farewell, A Lasting Legacy
Despite not having the most traditional Test career, Rohit Sharma’s path is an example of tenacity, flexibility, and style. His transformation from a white-ball specialist to one of India’s most dependable Test openers has served as motivation for a new generation of cricket players. As supporters, we will miss watching him come out in whites, but Rohit’s name will live on in Indian Test history as a leader who kept the ship afloat when it counted most.
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