After a decade of elegant drives, composed centuries, and unwavering leadership, Rohit Sharma has declared—not an innings, but his Test career. On May 7, 2025, the Indian skipper announced his retirement from the longest format, signing off with the same grace that defined his journey in whites. “Test cricket demands everything—and gives back even more. I’m thankful for every single session I’ve played for India,” Rohit said in a heartfelt message that echoed across dressing rooms and fan hearts alike.
Rohit’s journey in Tests began with fireworks—a sparkling 177 on debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in November 2013. Over 67 matches, he amassed 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties, with a career-best 212 against South Africa. But it wasn’t just about the numbers. It was the rhythm in his batting, the stillness at the crease, and the aura he carried as India’s captain that truly set him apart. His move to the top of the order in 2019 was a masterstroke, transforming him into a rock-solid opener who steered India through many testing sessions.
His final bow came in a hard-fought Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia from December 2024 to January 2025—a five-match contest where Australia won 3-1, with Rohit leading from the front one last time. The reactions to his retirement were as composed as his cover drives. Coach Gautam Gambhir hailed him as “a captain who knew when to attack and when to absorb pressure,” while the BCCI called him “a pillar of Indian Test cricket, who leaves behind a legacy of grit, flair, and leadership.”
With Tests and T20Is now behind him, Rohit’s focus shifts to ODIs, with one eye firmly on the ODIs. Meanwhile, India gears up for its next red-ball battle—a stern five-Test tour of England starting June 2025. As a new leader prepares to take the reins, one thing is certain: Rohit Sharma may have walked off the Test field, but his innings will echo in Indian cricket’s hall of fame for years to come.
Cricketers from around the globe also tipped their hats to the ‘Hitman.’ Virat Kohli praised Rohit as “a calm leader and a class act at the top,” while Steve Smith called him “one of the most elegant Test openers of the modern era.” KL Rahul, who played under Rohit in several key series, tweeted: “You made batting look easy, skip. Learnt so much from you on and off the field.” Even former legends like Sachin Tendulkar chimed in, stating, “You brought grace to opening the innings in Test cricket. A wonderful career to be proud of.” The outpouring of respect underscores just how deeply Rohit Sharma’s presence will be missed in the whites.
