In a significant move, Rohit Sharma officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday, May 7, through a heartfelt post on Instagram. The decision marks the end of an era for one of India’s most elegant stroke-makers, who leaves behind a mixed yet memorable red-ball legacy.
The announcement comes just days after reports emerged that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee had decided to remove Rohit as Test captain ahead of the upcoming five-match series against England. The selectors were believed to be eyeing a younger leader for the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with Rohit’s recent form in red-ball cricket being a major factor.
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Under Rohit’s leadership, India faced tough overseas tours and fell short of WTC final qualification. Individually, Rohit endured a rough patch, managing just 91 runs across six innings against New Zealand at an average of 15.16, and a mere 31 runs in five innings against Australia at a dismal average of 6.20.
Rohit’s Test career began with a bang in 2013 during Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell series. He smashed a century on debut at Eden Gardens and followed it up with another ton in the next match, setting high expectations. However, he struggled to find consistency in the longest format and was in and out of the side for several years.
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The turning point came in 2019 when he was promoted to open the innings, a move that revitalised his Test career. Since then, he became a mainstay at the top, finishing with 67 Tests, 4301 runs, 12 centuries, and 18 half-centuries. His performances in 2021 earned him a place in the ICC Test Team of the Year.
As the cricketing world reacts to his retirement, tributes continue to pour in for the “Hitman” of Indian cricket.
🚨 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 🚨
Rohit Sharma has informed us of his decision to retire from Test cricket. A legend of the red-ball game. We thank him for his stellar contributions. He will continue to lead Team India in ODIs.#TeamIndia | #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/5cRRJB291s
— Indian Cricket Team (@incricketteam) May 7, 2025
#RohitSharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket! 🥺
End of an era! See you in the ODIs, Rohit 🙌 pic.twitter.com/rpuQsz1IeV
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 7, 2025
Well played #RohitSharma. As player and as captain, you were a joy and India will say a big thank you to you. That century in Chennai, that one at the Oval, both priceless. You walked out against South Africa to open as if you had done it all your life. Will look forward to…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 7, 2025
A leader who shaped a generation!
Thank you for your stride in whites, Rohit! #RohitSharma #19:29 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/ZNvsGCxR2z— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 7, 2025
𝟒𝟓 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤! 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬! 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐑𝐎!♥️#RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/gY1op5zJZ9
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) May 7, 2025
The walks from the pavilion, the silent understanding between the 22 yards, the shared laughs in the dressing room, and the dominating mindset in the middle.
Glad to have shared these memories in the whites with you @ImRo45 🫂#RohitSharma #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/O8LOV67hA5
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) May 7, 2025
Mumbai cha Raja hangs up his Test whites 🙌
From pulling fast bowlers into the stands to leading with calm authority — Rohit Sharma’s Test journey was worth every watch, every roar, every rise ❤️#RohitSharma #ThankYouRohit #MCA #BCCI #Cricket [📸 – BCCI] pic.twitter.com/RfFDrbWb4i
— Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) (@MumbaiCricAssoc) May 7, 2025
Congratulations on a legendary Test career, @ImRo45. You’ve made India proud. All the best for your ODI journey. God bless you. #RohitSharma #IndianCricket #Cricket #BCCI #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/OJ9MNhOPch
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) May 7, 2025
One of the greatest chapters in Rohit Sharma’s story would remain how he turned a corner in Test cricket.
From being a reject to becoming India’s most dependable Test batter speaks volumes about his grit and determination.
Thank you Rohit. Farewell. #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/PvXVQSkjSU
— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) May 7, 2025
Test cricket bids farewell to a fearless opener, a sharp cricketing mind, and one of the finest captains the game has seen. @ImRo45 leaves behind a legacy that will endure. Wishing him the very best for the journey ahead. #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/6c4OC9rGov
— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) May 7, 2025
They all won who criticised him and blamed him for the BGT failure. Many players failed but only Rohit Sharma had to retire. Only Rohit Sharma had to go.🙂💔
— 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧 (@ImHydro45) May 7, 2025
Rohit Sharma was our saviour, whether to play vs spin or swing conditions of England.
Guy saved the Virat’s captaincy a lot of times by scoring alone.
Tied up the series in South Africa as a captain which was a massive achievement as a captain.
You’ll be missed, Rohit.❤️ pic.twitter.com/V2nKotF0q7
— ANSHUMAN🚩 (@AvengerReturns) May 7, 2025
My favourite moment of Rohit Sharma in test cricket. Ended all the jokes of the overseas century that day. pic.twitter.com/q6R56FUMOV
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) May 7, 2025
Indian captain Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket… via Instagram Story that disappears in 24 hours. Isse zyada serious announcement Malaika Arora gym jaate time karti hai pic.twitter.com/YYPmUCo0fH
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 7, 2025
Test cricket witnessed your grace, grit, and greatness. A true Hitman in whites, forever remembered.
Every inning, every shot, meant the world to us. A true warrior in whiteThank You Rohit Sharma 💙#RohitSharma https://t.co/LLvsyeT0Ke
— . (@helloitsnv) May 7, 2025
