Rohit Sharma’s sudden announcement to retire from Test cricket midway through IPL 2025 took the cricketing world by surprise—but it wasn’t just the fans or the BCCI who were caught off guard. His longtime teammate and fellow Mumbaikar, Ajinkya Rahane, was equally stunned when he learned of the news—only after his IPL match had ended.
Rohit, 38, made the announcement via social media on Wednesday evening, just as Rahane was leading Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-stakes clash against Chennai Super Kings at Eden Gardens. The former India vice-captain was unaware of the development during the match, and was visibly taken aback when informed about it in the post-match press conference.
“Oh, is it? I didn’t know that he retired from Test cricket,” Ajinkya Rahane said, clearly surprised. “I just want to wish him the best. I thought he has done fantastically well in the Test format. I’m actually shocked.”
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Rohit’s form in red-ball cricket had come under increasing scrutiny over the past year, especially after India endured consecutive Test series defeats—at home against New Zealand and Australia. Those losses ultimately derailed their World Test Championship campaign, and speculation around Rohit’s red-ball future had grown.
It is believed that Rohit began contemplating his Test retirement after India’s triumphant run in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, where he led the side to glory. His decision, however, still felt abrupt to many within the cricketing circle.
Ajinkya Rahane, who shared many battles with Rohit in whites, commended his friend’s evolution in the format. “He started out batting at No. 5 or 6 and later took up the challenge of opening. The way he adapted to that role was brilliant,” Rahane noted. “He’s always been someone who wants to dominate bowlers and play freely—and he encouraged others to do the same.”
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In his retirement note, Rohit confirmed he would continue representing India in ODIs. “It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years,” he wrote.
With that, an era ends—but not without admiration and respect from peers like Rahane who watched it unfold up close.
