On May 7, 2025, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket at the age of 38. This decision came shortly after reports indicated he would be replaced as India’s red-ball captain ahead of the upcoming five-Test series against England. Despite stepping away from the Test format, Sharma will continue to represent India in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), where he has been a pivotal figure.
Test Career Highlights
- Debut: November 6, 2013, against West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Sharma made an immediate impact, scoring 177 runs—the second-highest score by an Indian on Test debut.
- Matches Played: 67
- Total Runs: 4,301
- Batting Average: 40.57
- Centuries/Half-Centuries: 12/18
- Highest Score: 212 against South Africa in Ranchi, 2019
- Captaincy: Took over from Virat Kohli in 2022, leading India in 24 Tests with a 50% win rate.
Notable Achievements
Sharma’s Test career was marked by several significant milestones:
- First Overseas Test Century: Scored 127 runs at The Oval against England in 2021.
- Double Century: Personal best of 212 runs against South Africa in Ranchi, 2019.
- Consistent Performer: Maintained a batting average above 40, showcasing reliability.
Challenges and Retirement Decision
In recent times, Sharma faced a dip in form, averaging just 10.93 over the past year, with a series of low scores against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia. Facing growing scrutiny and discussions about leadership changes, Sharma chose to retire from Tests. He expressed gratitude to fans and teammates in an emotional Instagram post.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
While his Test career ends, Sharma continues to make history in limited-overs cricket. He holds the record for the highest individual ODI score (264) and is the only player with three ODI double centuries. As he carries on in the white-ball formats, his influence on Indian cricket remains enduring.
Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket closes a remarkable chapter filled with brilliance, resilience, and leadership.
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