Indian captain steps away from red-ball format after an iconic run spanning over a decade
By Joe D. | May 7, 2025
Rohit Sharma has declared his retirement from Test cricket
So ending an era for Indian cricket. Rohit leaves behind a famous career in the game’s most conventional format, known for his grace, timing, and unflappable presence at the crease.
Releasing an emotional message on Wednesday, the 37-year-old verified his choice, labelling his red-ball path “the most humbling and enriching chapter” of his career. But, before next ICC events, he will still guide India in ODIs and T20Is where his knowledge is crucial.
A Journey Against Convention
Rohit Sharma’s ascent in Test cricket was not straight. Though he excelled in white-ball forms, his first Test came very late—in 2013, when he scored a stunning 177 at Eden Gardens against the West Indies. His next game saw a second century, but in his early years he found consistency in the longest format tricky.
Rohit didn’t really confirm his red-ball skills until 2019, when he was elevated to begin the innings in Tests. In his maiden Test as opener, he answered with a fantastic 176 and 127, so establishing the tone for a new stage in his career.
Blending patience with power and anchoring numerous vital innings abroad, he established a consistent presence at the top of the order over the following four years.
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Rohit’s Test Stats
Rohit ends his Test career with:
- Three thousand nine hundred twenty-seven runs
- Fifty-six games
- Forty-five point seven on average
- Ten centuries
- One double century (a career-best 212 against South Africa)
Earning accolades for his tactical insight and quiet leadership, he also led India throughout vital series in England, South Africa, and the World Test Championship cycle.
A master, a leader & a gem! #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/C6RgU6P18n
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 7, 2025
Reactions from the Cricket World
Reactions flooded in as former players and supporters used social media to commemorate Sharma’s accomplishments.
“Rohit’s amazing timing and composure under duress made him a mainstay in India’s Test team. Congratulations on a tremendous Test career, brother.” – Virat Kohli on X, previously Twitter
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke called Rohit “the most gifted timer of the ball since Mark Waugh,” and he said his Test retirement “will leave a big gap in world cricket.”
The BCCI released a statement noting his “immeasurable influence on the Indian Test side and cricket as a whole.”
The Future
Rohit may be leaving Tests, but he still wants for India’s white-ball future. His expertise and attitude will be vital in the T20 World Cup and the next ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he is anticipated to captain the national side.
His leaving has fueled discussion on who may carry the red-ball captaincy forward; candidates include Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill.
Era’s End, Legacy’s Beginning
Though it began not like a fairy tale, Rohit Sharma’s Test career developed into a masterclass in tenacity, flexibility, and leadership. From his stunning stroke play at home to his tenacious innings in challenging abroad circumstances, he revolutionized what it meant to be a contemporary Test opener.
When the whites come off one last time, Indian cricket loses not only a player but also a mentality—one that valued calm over tumult and elegance over violence.
Rohit’s influence on Indian Test cricket will be enduring, deep, and irreplaceable even if he is leaving the longest format.
