Explained: Why Did Rohit Sharma Announce Sudden Retirement From Test Cricket?

Debashis Sarangi

Rohit Sharma retired from Tests on Wednesday [Source: @academy_dinda/X]Rohit Sharma retired from Tests on Wednesday [Source: @academy_dinda/X]

On Wednesday evening, Indian legend Rohit Sharma shocked the cricketing world, announcing his retirement from Test cricket. The decision came weeks before India's much-anticipated England tour, which is set to begin next month. 

In an illustrious career spanning more than a decade, Rohit represented India in 67 Tests, amassing 4301 runs, including twelve hundreds and 18 fifties, at a solid average of 40.57. As he has bid adieu to Test cricket, let's analyse what prompted him to retire from the longest format. 

Rohit's Recent Form Raised Question Marks Over His Place In Test Side

Criterion
Data
Innings26
Runs619
Average24.76

(Rohit Sharma's Test stats in 2024)

  • A flamboyant stroke-maker, Rohit Sharma had a forgettable time in Test cricket last year. Although he starred with the bat in the England home series, scoring 400 runs at an average close to 45, the talismanic cricketer followed it up with a string of low scores against Bangladesh and New Zealand. 
  • Overall, he managed to accumulate only 165 runs in the last fifteen Test innings at a horrible average of 11. He registered ten single-digit scores, showcasing a sharp decline in his prowess as a Test batter. 
  • Rohit's failure in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy forced him to sit out of the final Test in Sydney. Thus, his recent poor form was a major reason behind his retirement from the purest format. 

Rohit Sharma's Age And Fitness: A Major Reason Behind Retirement

  • A player needs to be supremely fit in order to play and succeed in Test cricket. Being a five-day format, Test matches demand youthful energy and athleticism. 
  • However, Rohit Sharma is 38 years old and has been struggling with hamstring niggle since the Champions Trophy. He has played mostly as a pure batter in the IPL 2025, as his declining fitness doesn't further support his involvement in Test cricket. 

Future Generation Is Ready To Take Over

  • It's the duty of a captain to prepare future leaders and India have several eligible candidates who can fill Rohit's void as the Test skipper. 
  • While Shubman Gill is reported to be his successor, the likes of Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer bring exceptional leadership qualities to the table. 
  • Also, with the ongoing WTC already lost, India aim to kickstart the tournament's next cycle with a fresh face at the helm. Rohit Sharma's form and fitness were the major reasons why the BCCI couldn't have trusted him to continue in Tests for two more years. Therefore, his retirement came just at the right time, allowing India to move forward under the leadership of a long-term successor.