• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Shocked Ajinkya Rahane Surprised At Rohit Sharmas Sudden Retirement From Tests

"Shocked": Ajinkya Rahane Surprised At Rohit Sharma's Sudden Retirement From Tests

Soumyajit Dutta

Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma [Source:@incricketteam/X]Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma [Source:@incricketteam/X]

Ajinkya Rahane, currently captaining Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025, expressed surprise at Rohit Sharma’s sudden retirement from Test cricket. The announcement came on the eve when Rahane-led KKR suffered a narrow two-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), almost ending their playoff hopes. 

Rahane, addressing the media post-match, admitted he was unaware of Sharma’s decision until questioned but lauded the latter’s contributions to Test cricket.

Rahane Expresses Shock; Praises Rohit's Contributions

Rohit’s retirement precedes India’s five-Test series against England starting June 20, with the BCCI set to announce the squad soon. Ajinkya Rahane, reflecting on Rohit’s career, remarked on his shock at the decision.

"I'm shocked to hear Rohit Sharma's Test retirement. The way he adapted to that opening slot was amazing to see. He always wanted to take on the bowlers, play with freedom. And that’s what he wanted other players to do as well, play with freedom," Rahane stated, speaking at the post-match presentation.

Rahane further praised Rohit’s evolution in cricket while wishing him all the best for his future endeavours.

"He started his career five, six numbers and then. I thought the way he adapted to that opening slot was amazing to see.  He always wanted to take on the ballers, play with freedom and that's what he wanted other players to do as well, play with freedom. So  I just want to wish him the best.  Probably I'll call him once I go back to the dressing room or send him a message, but just want to congratulate him on a fantastic test career," Rahane said.

Debuting against West Indies in November 2013, Rohit Sharma featured in 67 Tests, amassing 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 with 12 centuries. His career-best 212 came against South Africa in 2019, ranking him as India’s 16th-highest Test run-scorer. Notably, the Hitman started strongly with 177 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens in his maiden Test innings.