Rohit Sharma Steps Down From Test Cricket: A Surprising Decision

Rohit Sharma’s Unexpected Test Retirement

Rohit Sharma, India’s Test and ODI captain until Wednesday, stunned fans worldwide by announcing his retirement from the longest format of the game. This decision came as a complete surprise, especially considering Rohit had repeatedly expressed his desire to lead the team on the upcoming tour of England.

Behind the Scenes: Emails and Phone Calls

While the BCCI hasn’t officially revealed the reasons behind Rohit’s sudden departure, reports suggest that the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, was hesitant to continue with him as captain. According to Cricbuzz, Rohit sent an email to the BCCI’s top officials on Wednesday evening, making his intentions regarding red-ball cricket clear. Around the same time, chief selector Ajit Agarkar was seen engaged in a lengthy phone call at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai. It’s unclear if the call was with Rohit or other BCCI officials.

A Career in Transition

Rohit entered the IPL 2025 season with a concerning dip in form but showed significant improvement after a slow start. In 11 matches for the Mumbai Indians, he scored 300 runs at an average of 30. While not exceptional, this performance marked a positive turn after a series of disappointing displays in the initial five games.

The Future: ODI Focus?

Rohit’s decision to retire from Test cricket has raised questions about his future in the ODI format. He has made it clear that he wants to continue playing for India until the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, focusing solely on ODIs might pose a challenge for maintaining his fitness and match sharpness, especially considering his age (38).

Tributes and Uncertainty

Rohit’s announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow cricketers. However, many remain puzzled by the suddenness of his decision, wanting further clarity about the circumstances surrounding his retirement.