Rohit Sharma on Wednesday put all the speculation around his Test career and selection for the England tour to rest by announcing his retirement from Test cricket. The decision, made only days ahead of the anticipated announcement of the five-match series squad, left most people surprised. According to reports, Rohit had made up his mind on this as early as March when he led India to a Champions Trophy title in Dubai, which was their second ICC title in his captaincy.
Test Retirement Was On Rohit Sharma’s Mind
“The retirement from Test cricket was on Rohit’s mind since India won the Champions Trophy. A new WTC (World Test Championship) cycle was starting, and hence he thought this was the best time,” a source close to the Indian skipper told PTI
“If Rohit had decided that he would call it quits in Tests, where does the question of dropping him comes?,” a former BCCI office-bearer, who has watched Rohit closely over the years, thought aloud.
Rohit Had Already Informed BCCI About His Retirement
PTI mentioned that Rohit informed major stakeholders within the BCCI about his willingness to retire from the longest form of the game almost two months ago. Though there was constant media speculation, officials apparently decided to keep mum, letting the rumors go on. The selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, meanwhile, provided no insight into the possibility of Rohit featuring in the England series with a week to go for the announcement of the squad. Informal conversations among the selectors did occur in Mumbai, though it is not known if head coach Gautam Gambhir was involved in those discussions. Amidst all this, Rohit spoke of wanting complete control over when and how he would retire from Test cricket.
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Rohit Sharma To Continue Playing In ODIs
“Rohit is determined to play the 2027 ODI World Cup and he will do everything in his power to remain fit and play the mega-event,” the source said.
In its official obituary for Rohit, the BCCI announced that he will remain the captain of the Indian team in One Day Internationals. At 38, Rohit now sets his eyes on winning a third major trophy this time, targeting the 2027 ODI World Cup.
