'I thought he has done fantastically...': Ajinkya Rahane shocked following Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket

Ajinkya Rahane caught off-guard by Rohit Sharma's Test retirement. (Photo: BCCI)

The news of Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket caught Ajinkya Rahane off guard during the press conference held following Wednesday night's match between the Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. The former India Test vice-captain, who is presently captaining the Knight Riders, acknowledged he was unaware of the news following KKR's tight two-wicket defeat to Chennai Super Kings in the 2025 Indian Premier League.

“I’m actually shocked. I didn’t know that he retired in the Test format. But I just want to wish him the best,” Rahane said at the Eden Gardens, visibly caught off-guard.

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On Wednesday night, Rohit, 38, announced on Instagram that he will be leaving the game's longest format immediately. His choice was made the day after the Indian national selectors convened to decide on the leadership group for the forthcoming England tour, which would be Team India's first international cricket series following the IPL.

Reporters told Rahane, Rohit's longtime partner for both Mumbai and India, of the news. “Oh, is it? I just want to wish him the best. I thought he has done fantastically well in the Test format. I didn’t know (about the retirement),” he repeated, still processing the announcement.

The seasoned batter highlighted Rohit's impressive shift from middle-order batsman to attacking opener in his admiration of his red-ball cricket path.

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“Whatever his plans are, he has done really well, improved his game, as a Test batter. He started his career 5-6 number and then opened the innings,” Rahane said.

“I thought the way he adapted to that opening slot was amazing to see. He always wanted to take on the bowlers, play with freedom. And that’s what he wanted other players to do as well, play with freedom.”

A bond beyond jerseysAjinkya Rahane honours Rohit Sharma's incredible Test career with a message full of respect and emotion #TATAIPL | #KKRvCSK | #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/gbLAL2c7ti IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 7, 2025

Rohit ends his Test career with 4,301 runs in 67 games, 12 hundreds, and 18 fifties at an average of 40.57. His audacious tactics at the top, particularly at home, helped reshape India's post-2019 approach. His remarkable 127 in the 2021 Oval Test was a high point of his international red-ball career.

After leading India to a World Cup victory last year, Rohit has already said goodbye to Twenty20 Internationals, but he will still be available for ODIs and the IPL.