Rohit Sharma Opens Up on Test Retirement: ‘My Father Was Disappointed’
Mumbai: In his first public comments since retiring from Test cricket, former Indian captain Rohit Sharma shared insights into his decision during a recent interaction with journalist Vimal Kumar. The 38-year-old, who announced his retirement from the format on May 7, 2025, revealed that his father was disappointed with the move, believing Rohit still had more to contribute in Test cricket.
Speaking candidly, Rohit acknowledged his father’s perspective but emphasized that his choice to step away from Tests was driven by a desire to make way for younger players. “He felt I could still play Tests, but I thought it was time to give opportunities to the next generation,” Rohit said. He clarified that his decision was not a reflection of being forced out but rather a personal choice to focus on limited-overs cricket, particularly One Day Internationals (ODIs), where he continues to lead India.
Rohit’s Test career spanned 67 matches, during which he scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. His final Test appearance was the Boxing Day Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in December 2024. Struggling with form, he managed only 31 runs across five innings in the series, which India lost 3-1. This followed a challenging home series against New Zealand, where India suffered a 3-0 defeat, their first home Test series loss in 12 years.
Despite his father’s reservations, Rohit expressed contentment with his Test journey, noting the honor of representing India in the longest format. “It’s been a great ride, but I’m happy with where I am now,” he told Vimal Kumar. Rohit’s retirement came after he led India to the Champions Trophy title in March 2025, a high point that influenced his decision to shift focus to ODIs, where he aims to continue contributing to the team’s success.
Rohit also addressed speculation about his retirement, emphasizing that he remains committed to ODIs. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had reportedly rejected his proposal to retire mid-series during the upcoming England tour, similar to MS Dhoni’s exit in 2014, prompting his immediate retirement announcement. As India prepares for the five-Test series in England starting June 20, the BCCI is yet to name a new Test captain, with Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant as leading candidates.
Rohit’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach to his career, balancing personal aspirations with the team’s future. His focus now shifts to the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he recently returned to competitive cricket with Mumbai Indians, and to leading India in the ODI format, with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup.