• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Couldve Played 100 Tests Sehwag Perplexed With Rohit Sharmas Test Retirement

"Could've Played 100 Tests" Sehwag Perplexed With Rohit Sharma's Test Retirement

Akshita Patel

Sehwag praises Rohit Sharma [Source: @HardCricketpix, @Techno3012/X.com]Sehwag praises Rohit Sharma [Source: @HardCricketpix, @Techno3012/X.com]

Former India opener Virender Sehwag has praised Rohit Sharma after the latter announced his retirement from Test cricket. Rohit, 38, shared the news on his Instagram story on May 7, confirming that he would no longer play Test matches but would continue in ODIs.

After a disastrous loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, pressure was mounting on Rohit. His form as a player was already hitting a new low, and the series loss also put his leadership under question.

On May 7, Rohit, however, announced his Test retirement out of the blue through a social media message.

Virender Sehwag Shocked After Rohit Sharma Announced Retirement

Speaking to Cricbuzz, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag said he was surprised by Rohit's decision, especially since he had earlier shown interest in playing the Test series in England. 

Sehwag added that Rohit even said during the Australia tour that he was not planning to retire anytime soon. This sudden announcement, according to Sehwag, may have come after a discussion with the selectors.

“It was quite surprising actually. I had heard that he was ready for the England tour. And during the last Test in Australia, he himself had said he was going nowhere and that he was not pretending to be done. I’m sure they talked to him about their thoughts and gave him options. That’s probably why he announced his retirement before the team was named," Sehwag said.

Despite the surprise, the ex-cricketer had nothing but admiration for Rohit's career. He praised Sharma’s elegant batting and his journey from being a middle-order batsman to a successful Test opener.

“His career has been incredible. He started in the middle and retired as an opener with impressive achievements. He was always a joy for the fans, basically, in all formats of the game. His records speak for themselves. He probably could have played for a few more years and reached 100 test matches, but yes he did good in choosing an early exit. So thank you, Rohit, and all the best on the next journey," he added.

Who Will Replace Rohit As India’s Next Test Captain?

Shubman Gill is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Rohit Sharma as India's Test captain. With Rohit retiring from Tests, the BCCI is considering Gill, who has shown leadership promise in IPL 2025. His consistent Test performances as opener and No. 3 further strengthen his case for captaincy.

While Jasprit Bumrah is India’s present vice-captain in Test format, his recurring injury issues have weakened his case to succeed Rohit.