Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, has declared his sudden retirement from Test cricket, effective immediately, but he will still play in One-Day Internationals. Due to Rohit’s decision, the Indian team will have a new captain when they begin their five-match Test series trip of England on June 20.

While Rohit stated that he would continue to play ODIs, he announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket. Rohit amassed 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 in 67 Test matches, including 12 hundreds and a career-high 212.

In a Wednesday night Instagram story, Rohit displayed his Test cap number 280 and added, “Hello everyone, I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. Wearing white to represent my country has been an amazing honor. I appreciate all of your love and support throughout the years. I’ll keep playing for India in the One-Day International format”.

India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia 3-1, and Rohit had a difficult time. In addition to dropping himself for the last Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he only averaged 6.20 in five innings. Prior to it, Rohit averaged a dismal 15.16 during India’s 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand.

After making his Test debut against the West Indies in Kolkata in 2013, Rohit finished his career with 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 from 67 Test matches, including 12 hundreds and 18 fifties. In 24 Test matches, Rohit captained India, winning 12 and losing 9.

After India defeated South Africa by seven runs to win the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, Rohit declared his retirement from Twenty20 Internationals in June of that year. As the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee looks to add some fresh blood to the team, Shubman Gill is the front-runner to be the next Test skipper after Rohit announced his retirement from the format.

Given that Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to be available for all five Test matches in England, Gill, 25, who was the vice-captain in white-ball forms, is well-positioned to become India’s next Test captain. The Gujarat Titans (GT), who are leading the IPL 2025 points standings, are led by him at the moment.

In addition to congratulating Rohit Sharma on his incredible 11-year Test cricket career, BCCI President Roger Binny said that he leaves a legacy of selflessness and discipline that would encourage future generations to play the lengthier format.

Jay Shah, ICC Chairman, congratulated Rohit on having a great Test career. “Thank you @ImRo45 for your bold leadership in Test cricket, and the entertainment you provided to fans of the longest format over your career. Wishing you all the best for future innings on and off the field!” he wrote on ‘X’.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir too praised Rohit for his exploits in Tests. “A master, a leader & a gem! #RohitSharma,” he said on ‘X’.

Yuvraj Singh, the former India all-rounder, wrote on ‘X’, “Test cricket asks a lot of you – grit, patience, and character. Brotherman, you gave it everything and yet made it look effortless. From a quiet fighter to a leader at the top, your journey in whites has been special. Proud of you, go well @ImRo45.”