On May 7, Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most stylish and impactful cricketers, announced his retirement from Test cricket via an Instagram story. RevSportz had broken the story half an hour before the post came out. The 38-year-old, fondly known as the “Hitman,” called time on a bittersweet 12-year Test career, leaving behind a legacy of elegance, resilience, and leadership. While he will continue to lead and represent India in ODIs, his departure from the longest format marks the end of an era for Indian cricket.
Rohit’s Test journey began in 2013 against the West Indies in Kolkata, where he announced his arrival with a stunning 177 on debut. Followed by another century (111*) in the next Test. At that stage, Rohit seemed destined for greatness in the red-ball format. However, the early years were far from smooth. While he was smashing it in white-ball formats, Rohit struggled to translate that flair into the patience and discipline required for Test cricket.
Between 2013 and 2018, he played 25 Tests, scoring 1479 runs at an average of 39.97, with three centuries and nine fifties. Despite flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and challenges against quality pace attacks, particularly overseas, kept him on the fringes of the Test side. Critics often pointed to his penchant for loose shots and a perceived lack of temperament for the longest format. Rohit, initially a middle-order batter, found himself in and out of the team, with the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane cementing their spots. Yet, his undeniable talent and white-ball exploits kept the selectors invested.
The defining moment in Rohit’s Test career came in 2019 when he was promoted to open the batting under the leadership of Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri. This move proved to be a masterstroke. Freed from the constraints of the middle order, Rohit embraced the role with gusto, combining his natural flair with newfound discipline. His first series as an opener, against South Africa at home, was nothing short of spectacular. In Visakhapatnam, he scored 176 and 127 in the same Test, becoming only the sixth Indian to score centuries in both innings. The series saw him amass 529 runs at an average of 132.25, including a career-best 212 in Ranchi.
This transformation unlocked Rohit’s potential in Tests. Between 2019 and 2023, he scored 2417 runs in 32 Tests at an average of 48.34, with nine centuries and eight fifties. His ability to dominate spinners on turning tracks and handle pace with elegance made him a formidable opener. Notable performances included a majestic 161 in Chennai against England in 2021 and his first overseas Test century, a gritty 127 at The Oval later that year. Rohit’s reinvention as an opener not only solidified his place in the team but also added a new dimension to India’s batting lineup.
In February 2022, Rohit was appointed India’s Test captain, succeeding Virat Kohli. His leadership was marked by a calm demeanour, tactical acumen, and a focus on nurturing young talent. Under his captaincy, India won several series, including a 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka in 2022, a 2-1 triumph in the 2022-23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, and a commanding 4-1 series victory against England in 2024. However, Rohit and his Indian team erred in the 2023 World Test Championship final, losing to Australia.
Rohit’s captaincy record in Tests is balanced, with 12 wins, 9 losses, and 3 draws in 24 matches. As BCCI president Roger Binny noted, “Mr. Rohit Sharma’s impact on Indian cricket transcends records and statistics. He brought a sense of calm and assurance to the team—both as a player and as a captain.”
Despite his successes, Rohit’s Test career wasn’t without challenges. His form dipped in 2024, particularly during India’s home series against New Zealand (average 15.16) and the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he managed just 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20. Struggles with footwork and a string of low scores led to speculation about his future, culminating in his decision to “stand down” for the fifth Test in Sydney in January 2025.
While he initially dismissed retirement rumours, expressing confidence in a potential turnaround, the selectors’ focus on grooming a new leader for the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and his prolonged lean patch prompted his exit.
Rohit’s decision to retire came abruptly midway through the IPL season, and days before the selection committee will pick the squad for the upcoming five-Test series in England starting June 20. As per sources, discussions with the BCCI and selectors revealed their intent to move forward with a younger captain, with Shubman Gill emerging as a frontrunner.
Rohit’s recent performances, including a lacklustre Ranji Trophy outing (3 and 28 against Jammu & Kashmir), and concerns about his form impacting India’s performance at the start of a new WTC cycle, sealed his decision.
From a prodigious talent battling inconsistency to becoming one of India’s most reliable Test openers, his journey inspires. His elegance at the crease, ability to dominate attacks, and knack for big scores endeared him to fans worldwide. As a captain, he fostered a culture of discipline and selflessness, leaving a blueprint for future leaders.
While Rohit’s Test chapter closes, his cricketing journey continues in ODIs, where he remains India’s captain. Having led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy titles, he will aim to guide the team toward the 2027 ODI World Cup. His legacy in white-ball cricket is hard to match.
As Indian cricket transitions, Rohit’s Test retirement paves the way for a new generation. Younger players will look to build a foundation. For fans, the image of Rohit lofting cover drives and smashing sixes in whites will remain etched in memory, a reminder of a cricketer who wore his heart on his sleeve and played for the badge. Now, it remains to be seen where his ODI chapter goes from here as an opener and captain.