New Delhi: Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to his red-ball career.
With 4301 runs in 67 Test matches, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries at an average of 40.57, the 38-year-old Rohit will be remembered as one of India’s most successful Test batters in the second half of his career.
Rohit, who led India to the World Test Championship final against Australia, had also captained the side through important series against New Zealand and Australia, both at home and abroad.
According to The Indian Express, the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee has decided to remove Rohit Sharma from the Test captaincy ahead of the upcoming England tour. The decision will mark a significant leadership transition for Team India in the red-ball format.
Although Rohit will likely remain India’s ODI captain, his recent form in red-ball cricket will no longer earn him leadership backing. Selectors believe that continuing with him as Test skipper will not benefit India’s long-term plans.
Under Rohit’s leadership, India lost five out of their last six Test matches, including back-to-back defeats against New Zealand at home and Australia away. In a crucial move, Rohit had opted himself out of the playing XI in the final Test at Sydney — a decision now viewed as a precursor to his Test retirement.
Sources confirm that the selection committee has already informed the BCCI, and top board officials will support this move. A series of internal meetings have been held, with the latest in Mumbai to discuss the roadmap for India’s Test future.
Interestingly, this development comes shortly after Rohit expressed a desire to lead India in England during a podcast with former Australian skipper Michael Clarke. However, the selectors will now focus on grooming a new red-ball leader.
The Agarkar-led panel, considered one of the most influential in recent years, will aim to build a future-ready Test team. Preparing a long-term captain will be their priority, especially with overseas tours and the next World Test Championship cycle on the horizon.
Though his Test chapter is now closed, Rohit’s experience will still serve India in white-ball cricket, where he continues to be a critical figure.