In a major development that has sent ripples across the cricketing world, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming five-match series against England, set to begin on June 20, 2025. At the age of 38, Sharma cited personal reasons for stepping down, expressing gratitude for representing India in the longest format of the game. He will continue to play in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
Rohit Sharma message was simple but heartfelt:
He said he would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket Format. He added ahead saying It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country. Thanking for all the love and support over so many years and he said currently he will continue to represent India in the One day International format.”
But lets understand what is the exact reason for the Retirement could be but for that we need to go little behind Rohit Sharma’s decision might be because of some declining form in Test matches specially in Australia when he personally took decision to seat out of the match, also last eight matches his average was just 10.93 in his last eight appearances. Rohit Sharma was appointed in the Test Team as the captain in the year 2022 after Resignation of Virat kohli and after that he led India in 24 matches, securing 12 victories. Despite recent struggles, his leadership saw India through significant transitions in the Test arena.
In contrast, Sharma’s performance in limited-overs cricket has been stellar. He holds the record for the highest individual ODI score (264) and is the only player with three double centuries in the format. Under his captaincy, India clinched the Champions Trophy earlier this year, marking their third title in the tournament and solidifying his legacy in white-ball cricket.
This announcement means India will now urgently need to appoint a new full-time red-ball captain, with the five-match Test series against England set to begin on June 20 at Headingly—immediately after the conclusion of IPL 2025.So who will be the next India Captain ahead of still not finalized but BCCI will announce in coming days.
So is it Shubman Gill or Jasprit Bumrah might be any one are considered as a strong candidate to take over from Rohit Sharma as Test captain, in a new era with younger leadership than most probably it could be Shuban Gill. Coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized that retirement decisions are personal, supporting Sharma’s choice to step away from Tests while continuing in ODIs
Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian cricket with an end one Big Era giving all Indian Fans ad very great entertaining experience , highlighting his contributions and the evolving dynamics of the team’s leadership.