Rohit Sharma retires from Test cricket after controversial report goes viral

Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. This came after reports of Rohit being sacked as Test captain started making headlines. Rohit said that he would continue to represent India in the ODI format.

What’s the story behind?

As per an Indian Express report, the Ajit Agarkar led BCCI senior selection committee decided to sack Rohit Sharma as Test captain for the upcoming England tour. Just when the news went viral, Rohit Sharma took to social media to announce his retirement from Test cricket. Rohit 4301 runs in 67 Tests with 12 hundreds and 18 half centuries at an average of 40.57 in Test. He captained India in 24 Test matches winning 12 and losing nine.

Last few months have been difficult for Rohit in the format as a batter and a skipper. The Border-Gavaskar series eventually raised a lot of concerns. In eight Test matches in 2024, Rohit was averaging just 10.93 in 15 innings. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, he was batting at an average of 6.20 across five innings after averaging just 15.16 in three Tests against New Zealand.

BCCI backs selectors

The lean patch was the reason for the selectors to keep him out of captaincy in the upcoming England tour. India lost five out of their last six Tests in Rohit’s captaincy against New Zealand at home and against Australia away. Reportedly, the selectors already informed the BCCI about the decision and the senior board officials agreed to back it.

“The selectors’ thought process is clear. They want a new leader for the England tour and Rohit doesn’t fit in as a captain, especially considering his red-ball form. They want to groom a young leader for the next Test cycle and the selection committee has informed the BCCI that Rohit won’t lead the team,” a source told The Indian Express.

Now India’s quest for the new Test captain begins officially. While the obvious choice would be the vice-captain, Jasprit Bumrah, his fitness issue could be a concern. In that case India could look for options in Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant.

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