Indian Cricket Star Rohit Sharma Retires from Test Cricket Before England Series, Impacting Team Leadership

Rohit Sharma, India's ODI captain, announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025, via social media. This decision comes before India's Test series against England and the start of the new World Test Championship cycle. Sharma, who debuted in 2013, scored 4,301 runs in 67 Tests. His recent form had been under scrutiny, averaging 10.93 in his last nine Tests. His retirement leaves India without a Test captain, with Shubman Gill as a potential successor. Sharma will continue to lead India in ODIs, focusing on the 2027 World Cup.

A Storied Career in Whites

Rohit Sharma’s Test career, though not as voluminous as his white-ball exploits, was marked by elegance, resilience, and moments of brilliance. Debuting in 2013 during Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell series, Sharma made an immediate impact with scores of 177 and 111 in his first two matches. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that his red-ball career truly flourished, when he was promoted to open the innings under the guidance of then-coach Ravi Shastri and captain Virat Kohli.

As an opener, Sharma played 38 Tests, scoring 2,697 runs at an average of 42.80, including nine centuries. His overall Test record stands at 4,301 runs in 67 matches at an average of 40.57, with 12 centuries and a highest score of 212. His performances in home conditions were particularly strong, averaging 44.15 across 25 Tests. Notably, he also impressed in England, scoring 490 runs in six matches at an average of 44.54, and in the West Indies, where he averaged 80 across two Tests.

Leadership and Legacy

Sharma took over as India’s all-format captain in 2022, following Virat Kohli’s departure from the role. Under his leadership, India played 24 Tests, winning 15, losing six, and drawing three. He led the team to the World Test Championship final in 2023, where they were defeated by Australia. Despite the loss, his tactical acumen and calm demeanor earned him respect across the cricketing world.

His leadership style was marked by a blend of strategic insight and player empathy. Known for his ability to read match situations and manage bowlers effectively, Sharma’s captaincy was instrumental in India’s success across formats. He also led India to the T20 World Cup title in 2024 and the Champions Trophy in ODIs, further cementing his legacy as a multi-format leader.

The Final Stretch and Declining Form

Despite his achievements, Sharma’s recent form in Test cricket had been under scrutiny. In his last nine Tests, he averaged just 10.93, scoring only 164 runs, with a significant portion of those matches played at home against Bangladesh and New Zealand. His struggles culminated in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, where he dropped himself from the final Test in Sydney due to poor form.

India’s Test team also faced setbacks under his leadership, including a historic 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand and a 3-1 series loss in Australia. These results contributed to India missing out on the WTC final and intensified discussions about the team’s future direction.

Timing and Transition

Sharma’s retirement comes just ahead of the England tour, which begins on June 20. The timing is significant, as it not only marks the start of a new WTC cycle but also leaves India without a confirmed Test captain. With Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness in question, Shubman Gill has emerged as a potential successor.

The decision also ends India’s streak of having a single captain across all formats, a structure that had been in place since MS Dhoni’s tenure. With Suryakumar Yadav currently leading the T20I side and Sharma continuing in ODIs, India will now have different captains in each format for the first time since the inception of T20 internationals.

A Farewell Message

In his retirement note posted on Instagram, Sharma wrote: “It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years.” The message was brief but reflective of the understated grace with which he approached the longest format of the game.

Continued Commitment to ODIs

While stepping away from Tests, Sharma has confirmed his intention to continue playing and leading India in ODIs. At 38, he remains focused on the 2027 ODI World Cup, a title that has eluded him despite his stellar white-ball career. His recent performances in the Champions Trophy and a resurgence in the IPL 2025 season suggest he still has much to offer in the 50-over format.

Career Highlights

Test Debut: 2013 vs West Indies at Eden Gardens
Total Tests: 67
Runs Scored: 4,301
Batting Average: 40.57
Centuries: 12
Highest Score: 212
As Opener: 2,697 runs in 38 Tests at 42.80 average
Captaincy Record: 24 Tests – 15 wins, 6 losses, 3 draws

Looking Ahead

Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His departure leaves a leadership vacuum and a significant gap at the top of the order. As India prepares for the England series and the new WTC cycle, the focus will now shift to identifying a new captain and rebuilding the Test side with a younger core.

While Sharma’s Test career may not have reached the statistical heights of some of his contemporaries, his impact on Indian cricket—through his artistry with the bat and his leadership—remains indelible.

Indian Cricket Star Rohit Sharma Retires from Test Cricket Before England Series, Impacting Team Leadership

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