In a shocking move, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. This decision comes as a surprise to many, given Sharma’s pivotal role in the team and his impressive career spanning over a decade. Sharma will, however, continue to lead India in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
A Legendary Career
Rohit Sharma’s Test career has been nothing short of remarkable. He played 67 Tests for India, scoring 4301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. Sharma’s leadership skills were also evident, with India winning 9 out of 14 Tests under his captaincy.
New Captain Needed
With India’s five-Test series against England scheduled to begin on June 20 at Headingley, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will have to name a new full-time Test captain almost immediately after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Potential candidates for the role include ¹ ²:
- Jasprit Bumrah: The pace spearhead has already captained the team in a couple of Tests during the tour of Australia and is known for his leadership skills.
- KL Rahul: A seasoned player with captaincy experience, Rahul could be a strong contender for the role.
- Shubman Gill: The young and talented batsman has been making waves in the cricket world and might be considered for the captaincy.
- Rishabh Pant: The wicket-keeper batsman has shown exceptional leadership skills and could be another potential candidate.
Impact on Indian Cricket
Sharma’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His contributions to the team will be deeply missed, especially in the Test format. However, this also presents an opportunity for new talent to emerge and for the team to evolve. The BCCI will have to carefully consider the options and choose a captain who can lead the team to success in the upcoming series against England.
Reaction from Fellow Cricketers
Sharma’s teammates and fellow cricketers have paid tribute to his illustrious career. Rishabh Pant, in a heartfelt message on Instagram, said, “Your presence and impact will echo in that dressing room forever. Much love, @rohitsharma45 bhai.” Other notable reactions include ¹:
- Amit Mishra: Congratulated Sharma on a “legendary Test career” and wished him well for his ODI journey.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Shared a heartfelt message, saying, “Rohit bhai, sharing the crease with you in whites was nothing less than a blessing.”
- Mayank Agarwal: Expressed his gratitude for the memories shared with Sharma, saying, “Glad to have shared memories with you @rohitsharma45.”
As the cricket world reacts to Sharma’s retirement, one thing is certain – his legacy will continue to inspire and influence the sport for years to come.
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