Rohit Sharma Bids Adieu to Test Cricket: A Glorious Era Comes to an End
Team India captain Rohit Sharma has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtains down on a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket history. The 38-year-old cricketer took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the news, expressing heartfelt gratitude to fans and reflecting on his red-ball journey.
“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 said in his Instagram story.
Rohit Sharma made his Test debut in November 2013 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. He announced himself with a stunning century, scoring 177 in his maiden Test innings. He followed it up with another hundred in the very next match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, becoming only the fifth Indian to score centuries in his first two Test appearances.
Over the course of his red-ball career, Rohit played 67 Test matches and scored 4,301 runs at an average of 45.12. His Test career includes 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. His highest score in the format came in 2019 against South Africa in Ranchi, where he smashed a magnificent 212, underlining his dominance as an opener.
Rohit’s captaincy era in Tests began in 2022. He led the Indian team in 24 Test matches, achieving 12 wins and 3 draws while facing 9 losses. Under his leadership, India reached the final of the ICC World Test Championship in 2023 at The Oval. Though India fell short of the title, Rohit’s composed and tactical approach was widely appreciated. However, the recent tour of Australia, where India failed to qualify for the next WTC Final, drew criticism and likely played a role in his decision to step down.
Some of Rohit Sharma’s most memorable Test innings include:
- 177 vs West Indies (Debut, 2013) – A dream start to his red-ball journey.
- 212 vs South Africa (2019) – His career-best and a masterclass in dominance.
- 161 vs England (Chennai, 2021) – A gritty knock on a turning track that defined his maturity as an opener.
- 127 vs England (The Oval, 2021) – His first overseas Test century, instrumental in India’s series lead.
Even as he exits the longest format, Rohit confirmed that he will remain available for ODIs, where he continues to be a vital pillar for Team India.
With his retirement, Indian cricket bids farewell to one of its most stylish and dependable stroke-makers in whites. Rohit Sharma’s poise at the crease, elegant shot-making, and leadership will be missed dearly in the red-ball arena.
