A week after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, Rohit Sharma paid a courtesy visit to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence, Varsha, in Mumbai. The Indian batting legend, who recently concluded a stellar 14-year-long Test career, was lauded by the CM for his invaluable contributions to Indian cricket, particularly in the longest format of the game.
Rohit, 38, officially stepped away from Tests just before India’s squad announcement for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, beginning June 20 at Headingley. The timing of his retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, and his meeting with CM Fadnavis was a reflection of the respect and admiration he commands, both on and off the field.
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The Chief Minister shared photos of their interaction on social media and wrote, “It was great to welcome and interact with Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma at Varsha. I extended my best wishes to him on his Test retirement and future endeavours.”
It was great to welcome, meet and interact with Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma at my official residence Varsha. I extended my best wishes to him on his retirement from Test cricket and for continued success in the next chapter of his journey!@ImRo45#Maharashtra #Mumbai… pic.twitter.com/G0pdzj6gQy
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 13, 2025
Rohit’s journey in Test cricket had its share of highs and lows. After missing his original debut in 2010 due to injury, he finally donned the whites in 2013 and announced his arrival with a majestic 177 against the West Indies. While he initially struggled to cement his place in the middle order, it was his promotion to opener in 2019 that turned his fortunes. His knock of 212 against South Africa in Ranchi remains one of his finest moments in Test cricket.
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Despite a tough final year with inconsistent performances abroad, Rohit ended his career with 4,301 runs in 68 matches at an average of 40.57, including 12 hundreds—all of which came in matches India won. Shortly after his retirement, Virat Kohli too bid farewell to the format, leaving Indian cricket at a major crossroads, poised for a fresh chapter.
