Shamik Chakrabarty at Eden Gardens
The news of Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement took Ajinkya Rahane by surprise. A loss to Chennai Super Kings put Kolkata Knight Riders on the brink, and maybe it wasn’t the right time to digress. But this humble hack was the ‘culprit’ at the post-match press conference, who asked Rahane about Rohit’s Test career. The KKR skipper showed grace and lavished praise on his long-term India and Mumbai teammate.
To start with, Rahane wasn’t aware. “Oh, is it! His initial response had a note of exclamation. “I didn’t know (about the retirement). I’m actually shocked. I didn’t know that he retired from the Test format. I was playing a game. But I just want to wish him the best.”
Rohit’s progression as a Test batsman wasn’t linear. In fact, for the first six years, after belatedly making his debut in 2013, he was inconsistent, in and out of the team. Then, things changed, after he agreed to open the innings. Rahane lauded Rohit’s ability to adapt as an opener.
“He improved his game as a Test batter,” said Rahane. “He started his career at No. 5-6 and then opened the innings. I thought the way he adapted to that opening slot was amazing to see. He always wanted to take on the bowlers, play with freedom. And that’s what he wanted other players to do as well, play with freedom.”
Rahane added: “So I just want to wish him the best. Probably I will call him once I go back to the dressing room or send him a message. But I want to congratulate him on a fantastic Test career.”
Only a few months ago in Australia, Rohit had a Freudian slip, when he said at a press conference that Rahane and (Cheteshwar) Pujara were retired from Tests. He quickly corrected himself, suggesting that Rahane and Pujara might return to the red-ball fold “anytime”. Test retirement was certainly not on Rohit’s mind then. Far from it. But things can change quickly in sport.
With India set to embark on a tour of Blighty for five-Test series starting in June, Rohit won’t be part of the squad. Rahane’s team is all but out of the playoff race in this year’s IPL. But the skipper has been batting well, leading the run-scoring charts for his side with 375 runs from 11 innings. The Indian middle-order reeks of vulnerability and Rahane might be given one more opportunity (just an outside chance).
It happened in 2023, Rahane’s IPL form taking him to the World Test Championship final. It just might happen in 2025.
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