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India captain Rohit Sharma has called time on his Test career, announcing his retirement from the longest format with immediate effect on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old, who had earlier stepped away from T20Is after leading India to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 title, announced his decision through an Instagram story and confirmed that he would continue to be available for ODI selection.
“Hello everyone, I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” Rohit posted.
The decision leaves India in search of a new full-time Test captain ahead of their five-match series in England, which kicks off at Headingley on June 20.
Rohit Sharma kicked off his red-ball career in 2013, which saw him evolve from a middle-order option to one of India’s most dependable Test openers. He finishes with 4301 runs in 67 Tests at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties.
While he guided India to the World Test Championship final in 2023, a lacklustre run with the bat during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where he managed only 31 runs in five innings, had raised questions about his red-ball future.
BCCI president Roger Binny lauded Rohit’s contributions to Indian cricket, praising both his temperament and leadership.
“Mr Rohit Sharma’s impact on Indian cricket transcends records and statistics,” Binny said in an official statement. “He brought a sense of calm and assurance to the team, both as a player and as a captain.”
“His ability to stay composed under pressure and to consistently put the team’s needs above his own made him a truly special player and leader. Indian cricket has been fortunate to have a figure like Rohit – someone who upheld the highest standards of professionalism and sportsmanship.”
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