India Test captain Rohit Sharma made his sudden retirement from the game’s longest format just minutes after news of him being dropped as skipper made waves on social media. The 38-year-old player confirmed the news in a emotive social media post, thanking fans and teammates.
It’s been an absolute honour to play for my country in whites. Thanks for all the love and support all these years. Will continue to play for India in ODIs,” wrote Rohit on Instagram.
A Prolific Second Half in Test Career
Rohit Sharma concludes his Test career with 4301 runs in 67 matches at an average of 40.57 with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. His performances also gained prominence in the second half of his career, particularly after he was given the role to open the innings.
Rohit took India to the World Test Championship final against Australia. But his captaincy was questioned after poor performances in home and away series, especially against New Zealand and Australia.
Selectors Drop Rohit Amid Red-Ball Struggles
The Indian Express, as per reporting, says the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee had chosen to strip Rohit of the Test captaincy before the England tour. The reasons were cited as poor form with the red ball and recent defeats, according to sources. The selectors’ decision is said to have been endorsed by the BCCI.
The selectors’ mind is clear. They are looking for a new captain for the tour of England and Rohit does not fit as a skipper, particularly keeping in mind his red-ball record. They are looking to develop a young leader for the next Test cycle and the selectors have made it clear to the BCCI that Rohit will not be the captain,” a source said in The Indian Express.
Recent Setbacks Contributed to the Decision
Rohit’s red-ball avatar has dipped appreciably. He averaged only 6.20 in the latest Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia and 15.16 against New Zealand at home. These statistics triggered doubts over retaining him as the captain.
On the Australia tour, Rohit was absent for the opening Perth Test because his child was born. Unpredictable batting positions followed—he opened in Melbourne, lowered himself earlier, and finally omitted himself from the Sydney Test XI. These choices generated more speculation regarding his confidence and team role.
Leadership Dilemma Amid India’s Mixed Test Results
India’s Test cricket performance under different captains has been erratic. While Bumrah helped India win a Test series one against Australia, the team lost the overall Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India also endured a 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand under Rohit’s captaincy.
These inconsistent results made the selectors reconsider the leadership hierarchy, particularly with the upcoming Test cycle.
Who Can Replace Rohit as Test Captain?
With Rohit resigning and out of the running, attention now turns to potential replacements. Jasprit Bumrah, who is the current vice-captain, is a strong candidate. But there are still doubts about his fitness and whether he can cope with the full load of a long Test series.
The other possibilities are Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant. Of the three, only KL Rahul has prior experience as captain of India in Test cricket, which may make it more likely to choose him. Pant, though hampered by injury issues, is a long-term hopeful.
The selection panel, widely regarded as one of the most powerful in recent times, will be making a visionary selection to guide India into a new Test age.
