# Rohit Sharma Bids Adieu to Test Cricket: India’s Test Captain Steps Down Ahead of Crucial England Series URL: https://technosports.co.in/rohit-sharma-retires-from-test-cricket-india/ Published: 2025-05-07 Updated: 2025-05-07 Author: Ankush Mallick In a heartfelt social media announcement, Rohit Sharma confirmed his retirement from Test cricket, closing a defining chapter of his international career. His decision arrives just weeks before India’s five-match Test series against England, beginning June 20 at Headingley, and leaves selectors racing to identify the next Test captain. ![](https://images.technosports.co.in/2025/05/Rohit-Sharma-Quits-Test-Cricket-1024x689.webp) *Cricket – ICC World Test Championship Final – India Practice Session – The Oval, London, Britain – June 6, 2023 India’s Rohit Sharma during practice Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra* “***Hello everyone I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format***,” Rohit shared through his official post on Wednesday evening. ## Table of contents - From Highs to Farewell: Tracing Rohit’s Test Journey - A Leader’s Impact Beyond Numbers - The Signs Were There: A Gradual Exit - What Comes Next: A New Chapter for India - FAQs ## From Highs to Farewell: Tracing Rohit’s Test Journey Over the span of **67 Test matches**, Rohit amassed **4301 runs**, maintained an average of **40.57**, and registered **12 centuries** alongside **18 half-centuries**. His highest score came in the form of a commanding **212** against South Africa in Ranchi back in October 2019. ![](https://images.technosports.co.in/2025/05/Rohit-Sharma-Quits-Test-Cricket-1-1024x678.webp) *Cricket – Fourth Test – England v India – The Oval, London, Britain – September 4, 2021 India’s Rohit Sharma in action Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge* Despite these stellar numbers, Rohit’s recent outings painted a stark contrast. Following underwhelming home series against **Bangladesh** and **New Zealand**, and a forgettable tour of **Australia**, the experienced batter struggled to regain rhythm. During the Australia Tests, he crossed 50 only once and finished with an average of **10.93** across eight innings. Nevertheless, Rohit stood firm in his resolve during the tour, even sitting out the final Test voluntarily. “***I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won’t come five or two months down the line***,” he remarked candidly during a Star Sports broadcast. ## A Leader’s Impact Beyond Numbers Rohit’s retirement marks the end of an era defined by composure, leadership, and unshakable focus. **Roger Binny**, [BCCI](https://www.bcci.tv/)President and former India all-rounder, acknowledged his immense contribution to Indian cricket. ![](https://images.technosports.co.in/2025/05/Rohit-Sharma-Quits-Test-Cricket-1024x685.avif) “***Mr Rohit Sharma’s impact on Indian cricket transcends records and statistics***,” Binny stated. “***He brought a sense of calm and assurance to the team – both as a player and as a captain. His ability to stay composed under pressure and to consistently put the team’s needs above his own made him a truly special player and leader***.” ## The Signs Were There: A Gradual Exit Interestingly, **Gautam Gambhir**, India’s current head coach, hinted only a day earlier that decisions around retirement rest solely with the players. “***Till the time they are performing, they should be a part of the team. When you start and when you end is your individual decision***,” Gambhir asserted, backing senior players like Rohit and Virat Kohli. ![](https://images.technosports.co.in/2025/05/Rohit-Sharma-Quits-Test-Cricket-1-1024x650.avif) However, Rohit appeared to have already begun contemplating his future. After returning from Australia, he briefly represented **Mumbai** in the **Ranji Trophy**, where he managed only 3 and 28 against Jammu & Kashmir. Although he led India to Champions Trophy glory in March, he knew that success in white-ball cricket wouldn’t translate into longevity in Tests. ## What Comes Next: A New Chapter for India With Rohit stepping down, the Indian selectors now face the immediate task of identifying a new Test captain. **Jasprit Bumrah**, who acted as stand-in skipper during parts of the Australian series, remains an option. However, entrusting the role to a fast bowler recovering from a back injury could prove risky. ![](https://images.technosports.co.in/2025/05/Shubman-1-1024x741.webp) *Cricket – Fourth Test – India v Australia – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India – March 11, 2023 India’s Shubman Gill celebrates after reaching his century REUTERS/Amit Dave* Bumrah endured a heavy workload in Australia and later missed the Champions Trophy due to a stress reaction in his lower back. He only returned to competitive cricket during IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians. Consequently, the BCCI selection panel, led by **Ajit Agarkar**, will weigh their options carefully. ## Rohit’s Legacy Remains Intact Though his recent form dipped, Rohit Sharma’s stature as a Test cricketer remains unshaken. He inspired teammates, uplifted Indian cricket through tough transitions, and captained with poise and humility. His departure leaves a void in the dressing room, but also sets an example of self-awareness and integrity. ![](https://images.technosports.co.in/2025/05/Rohit-Sharma-Quits-Test-Cricket-3-1024x732.webp) *FILE PHOTO: Cricket – First Test – England v India – Trent Bridge, Nottingham, Britain – August 5, 2021 India’s Rohit Sharma in action Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs/File Photo* “***I have confidence in me that things can change, but at the same time I have to be realistic as well… I am a sensible man, mature man, father of two kids. So I know what I need in life,***” Rohit said, reflecting his mature perspective. As the Test team enters a new era, Rohit’s influence will continue to resonate — not just in the dressing room, but also in the values he championed throughout his career. Read More: [The Whistles of the Bernabeu: From Mbappe to Ronaldo, Decoding Why Real Madrid Fans Don’t Shy Away From Showing Their Discontent](https://technosports.co.in/why-real-madrid-fans-boo-stars-mbappe-cristiano-ronaldo/) ## FAQs **Why did Rohit Sharma retire from Test cricket?** Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket to focus on limited-overs formats and allow India to build for the future. **How many Test matches did Rohit Sharma play for India?** Rohit Sharma played 67 Test matches, scoring 4301 runs with 12 centuries and 18 fifties. **Who will replace Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain?** The BCCI is currently evaluating options, with Jasprit Bumrah emerging as a strong contender despite injury concerns. **When did Rohit Sharma announce his Test retirement?** Rohit Sharma announced his retirement via social media shortly before India’s Test series against England in June 2025. **What was Rohit Sharma’s highest Test score?** Rohit Sharma’s highest Test score was 212 runs against South Africa in 2019.