Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket, sending shockwaves through the cricket world. Fans are now accusing the BCCI of influencing his decision, as news broke that he won’t be leading the team in the upcoming Test series against England just an hour before his announcement.
The news comes as a surprise, given that Sharma was expected to captain the team on their tour to England. Some fans are speculating that the decision to strip him of the captaincy might have prompted his retirement. However, it’s worth noting that Sharma has always had access to the board and could have discussed his future with them.
Sharma’s Test career has been on a downward spiral, with him averaging just 24.76 in 2024. He managed only 619 runs in 26 innings that year, with two centuries. His last nine innings had yielded a mere 68 runs.
In his 12-year Test career, Sharma played 67 matches, scoring 4301 runs across 116 innings. He hit 12 centuries and 18 fifties, with a highest score of 212. Sharma made his Test debut on November 6, 2013. He’ll continue to represent India in the ODI format.
Sharma’s Statement
Sharma took to Instagram to share his decision, saying, “Hello everyone, I want to inform you that I’m retiring from Test cricket. Representing my country in the white jersey has been an honor. Thanks to everyone for the love and support over the years. I’ll continue to represent India in the ODI format.”
Some had been expecting Sharma’s retirement after he pulled out of a Test match during the previous Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Though he denied the rumors then, it turned out to be his last Test series.
Career Highlights
- Debut: November 6, 2013
- Matches: 67
- Runs: 4301
- Centuries: 12
- Fifties: 18
- Highest Score: 212