Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of India’s upcoming five-match tour to England. This decision follows earlier reports indicating that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was considering removing the 38-year-old from the Test captaincy.
Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket, stepping down as India’s Test captain ahead of the upcoming five-match tour to England. This decision comes shortly after reports indicated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was considering removing the 38-year-old from the Test captaincy.
Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that Rohit Sharma may consider retiring from Test cricket if his performance does not improve. Speaking on ABC Sport, Gavaskar stated, “Rohit will definitely get the opportunity to play in the upcoming matches. However, if he doesn’t score runs, I believe he will make the decision himself.” He further emphasized Sharma’s conscientious nature, noting, “Rohit is a dedicated cricketer who deeply cares for Indian cricket and would not want to be a burden on the team.”
India is set to appoint a new Test captain for the upcoming five-match series in England, with Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant emerging as potential candidates. Sources indicate that Shubman Gill is currently the leading contender to succeed Rohit Sharma as the Test captain. “Shubman Gill is being considered for the captaincy. Given that this series marks the beginning of the World Test Championship cycle, the selectors are focused on future prospects and are unlikely to revisit past decisions.”
The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI senior selection committee had reportedly decided to remove Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain for the upcoming England tour, according to The Indian Express. The selectors were reportedly not ready to retain him as captain due to his recent red-ball form. India lost five out of their last six Tests under Rohit’s captaincy, including defeats against New Zealand at home and Australia away. Rohit, who struggled with poor form in Test cricket, even dropped himself from the XI for the final Test in Sydney.
The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI senior selection committee had reportedly decided to remove Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain for the upcoming England tour, according to The Indian Express. The selectors were reportedly not ready to retain him as captain due to his recent red-ball form. India lost five out of their last six Tests under Rohit’s captaincy, including defeats against New Zealand at home and Australia away. Rohit, who struggled with poor form in Test cricket, even dropped himself from the XI for the final Test in Sydney.
The selectors informed the BCCI of their decision, and senior board officials backed the move. A series of meetings were held, including one in Mumbai, to plan the future of the Test team. This decision followed Rohit’s own expression of interest in leading India during the England tour in a podcast with former Australia captain Michael Clarke.
Agarkar and his team, considered the most influential selection committee in recent years, aim to develop a new leader for the future. A source told The Indian Express, “The selectors’ thought process is clear. They want a new leader for the England tour and Rohit doesn’t fit in as a captain, especially considering his red-ball form. They want to groom a young leader for the next Test cycle and the selection committee has informed the BCCI that Rohit won’t lead the team.”
This development comes after Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025, ending speculation about his future in the format. He will continue to represent India in One-Day Internationals.