Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket: 'It's been absolute honor to represent country in whites'

Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket (AP Photo)

Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday. The premier batter announced his decision on Instagram, sharing the photo of Indian Test cap and wrote: "Hello everyone I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It's been an absolute honor to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years." Before signing off, Rohit confirmed he'll "continue to represent India in the ODI format."

Despite being ranked among country's best cricketers, Rohit's reputation took a strong blow after series defeats against New Zealand at home, and then Australia Down Under. Both outcomes proved costly as India failed to qualify for the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, marking it the first time since the inception of the tournament.

In the series Down Under Rohit had performed poorly, averaging just 6.20 in five innings forcing him to drop himself for the final Test in Sydney. Prior to that he only averaged 15.16 in three outings against New Zealand, as the Black Caps completed a historic sweep against India in the sub-continent.

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Speculations of Rohit bidding farewell to the traditional format were rife while the fifth and final Test against Australia was underway. However, the batter then quashed the rumours during an interview with the official broadcasters, stating: "This is not a retirement or moving away from the format."

Rohit has represented India in 67 Tests, in which he accumulated 4301 runs at an average of 40.57. In Tests outside of India, that average falls to 31.01. In South Africa and Australia, he averages 16.63 and 24.38, respectively, but in England, where India will play next, the average soars to 44.66.

'Selectors wanted new leader for England tour'

Selectors discussed Rohit Sharma's future in the Indian Test team in a number of meetings last month and again in Mumbai on Tuesday (AP Photo)

Hours before Rohit announced his decision, reports emerged of him getting sacked as the Test captain, adding that the selectors were determined appoint a new leader. More so questions have previously been raised on Rohit's form in red-ball and the necessity for transition, given he was already 38. The report claimed that the selectors discussed Rohit's future in the Indian Test team in a number of meetings last month and again in Mumbai on Tuesday.

“The selectors’ thought process is clear. They want a new leader for the England tour and Rohit doesn’t fit in as a captain, especially considering his red-ball form. They want to groom a young leader for the next Test cycle and the selection committee has informed the BCCI that Rohit won’t lead the team,” a BCCI source close to the development was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.