Rohit Sharma Retires from Tests: End of a Memorable Journey

Post by : Rajat Arora

Rohit Sharma Retires from Tests: Why Signs Were Clear Since Boxing Day

Indian cricket fans woke up to a bittersweet announcement: Rohit Sharma retires from Tests, bringing an end to a decade-long journey filled with highs, struggles, and redemption arcs in the longest format of the game. While the decision shocked many at first, cricket insiders argue the signs were visible for a while—particularly since India’s tour of Australia, starting with the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

As tributes pour in for the Indian skipper, let’s unpack why this retirement felt inevitable, how his Test career evolved, and what led to this decision.

A Promising Start, But Interrupted Progress

When Rohit Sharma made his Test debut in 2013, scoring back-to-back centuries against West Indies, he was hailed as India’s next batting superstar across formats. Yet, while his white-ball career skyrocketed, his Test career stumbled, with injuries, inconsistency, and selection dilemmas disrupting his red-ball momentum.

Test debut: November 2013 vs West Indies
Career span: 2013–2025
Test stats: 58 matches, 4,120 runs, 10 centuries, avg. 44.62

Despite his impressive average, Rohit never cemented his place as firmly as he did in ODIs and T20Is—partly due to frequent injuries and questions over his overseas performances.

The Turning Point: Boxing Day Test 2020

Many analysts trace the beginning of the end to India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21, particularly the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rohit had missed the first two Tests due to injury and quarantine protocols. When he finally returned for the third Test in Sydney, he looked solid but failed to convert starts into big innings—scoring 26 and 52. At the time, coach Ravi Shastri defended him, but critics noted a pattern:“He’s getting set, but not capitalizing away from home. That’s been Rohit’s Test story outside India.”

Since that series, his away Test record remained underwhelming, with only one century outside Asia.

Injuries and Format Prioritization

Another major factor in why Rohit Sharma retires from Tests now is his age and injury management. At 37, Rohit has battled hamstring, calf, and back issues over the last few seasons. With India aiming for sustained success in ODIs and T20Is—and Rohit still seen as a key leader in white-ball formats—the decision to step away from Tests feels strategic.“Balancing three formats at this stage of my career isn’t sustainable. I want to focus where I can contribute the most,” Rohit reportedly told a teammate. Indeed, selectors had already begun resting him from overseas Tests, indicating a phased transition.

Leadership Pressure

When Rohit took over India’s captaincy across formats, expectations soared. Yet leading in all three formats, alongside IPL duties, took a toll. Since the WTC final loss and a challenging 2024 England series, whispers began about reducing his workload. His absence from the South Africa Test tour earlier this year further hinted at his waning Test commitments.“He’s been the bridge between the old guard and the new. But the next cycle needs fresh legs,” a BCCI source told media last month.

Emerging Openers and Team Transition

India’s Test squad has seen a rise in young openers like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Their strong performances at home and abroad have eased the transition, reducing pressure on Rohit’s place as an opener. With the next WTC cycle demanding long overseas tours, selectors were likely preparing for a youth-driven Test team, allowing Rohit to step back gracefully.

A Legacy Beyond Numbers

Though he didn’t scale the same peaks in Tests as in ODIs, Rohit’s Test journey is still significant:

 Reinvented as an opener in 2019, scoring a twin century debut vs South Africa
 Instrumental in India’s 2-1 home series win against England in 2021
 Part of historic Gabba win in 2021

And of course, his leadership in tough phases, guiding India post-Kohli, will be remembered.

Former teammate Harbhajan Singh summed it up:“Rohit Sharma retires from Tests, but he retires as a player who fought, adapted, and lifted Indian cricket through transition.”

Social Media Tributes Flood In

Cricketing icons and fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with tributes:

“Hitman leaves Tests but leaves behind unforgettable memories.”
“Thank you Rohit Sharma for making opening in Tests exciting again.”
“A true team man—your MCG return will always be special.”

What’s Next for Rohit Sharma?

While he exits red-ball cricket, Rohit will continue leading Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 and remains integral to India’s ODI and T20I plans—especially with the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup looming. Insiders suggest he may also transition into mentorship roles post-retirement, with BCCI reportedly keen to involve him in grooming next-gen leaders.

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Photo:Instagram/@rohitsharma45

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