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"Very Challenging And Draining": Rohit Sharma Opens Up On Mental Battles Of Test Cricket

Rajgeeta Yadav

Rohit Sharma opens up [Source: AFP]Rohit Sharma opens up [Source: AFP]

India captain Rohit Sharma recently reflected on his journey in Test cricket after retiring from the format earlier this year. The 38-year-old, who has played 67 Tests and scored over 4,300 runs, described the longest format of the game as both mentally and physically exhausting.

Rohit Sharma Explains Why Test Cricket Is Ultimate Challenge

Rohit, who led India in 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, said Test cricket is unlike any other format because of the amount of mental strength it demands. 

“It is something that you prepare for, because the game demands longevity. Especially in the Test format, you have to last for five days. Mentally, it is very challenging and it is draining as well. But all cricketers have been brought up playing First-Class cricket,” Rohit said at an event as quoted by PTI.

He explained that growing up playing long-format matches in Mumbai helped him handle the pressures of Test cricket.

“When we start playing cricket at a competitive level, even in Mumbai, club cricket (matches) go on for two days (or) three days so we are built like that and it starts at a very young age for us. It kind of makes it a little easier how to respond to situations that are there in front of you,” he added.

“It takes a lot when you’re playing the longest format and concentration is something that is the key, because you are speaking about high level performance and when you are expecting to put in high level performance, it starts with being mentally fresh all the time. A lot of work starts behind the scenes. Like I said, in preparation. I have to go back again to that because that is where it all starts. You prepare yourself to sustain for the longer period of time on the field,” he said.

It is worth mentioning that Rohit ended his Test career with impressive numbers: 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. He last played for India in the 2024/25 Test series in Australia but stepped aside from the final Test due to poor form before officially retiring a few months later.

The 38-year-old, who has also retired from T20Is after leading India to T20 World Cup win, is currently taking a break from cricket following Mumbai Indians’ exit in IPL 2025.