Rohit Sharma Bids Farewell to Test Cricket
Indian cricket fans were taken by surprise on May 7, 2025, when veteran Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. The news broke through an Instagram story where the 37-year-old wrote, “Hello, I just want to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It has been an honor for me to represent my country in the White Jersey. Thank you all for the love and support I have received over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format.”
Rohit Sharma, fondly known as the “Hitman,” has been one of the pillars of the Indian batting lineup in all formats. With his decision to retire from the longest format, an era of flamboyant and classy opening partnerships comes to an end.
Rohit Sharma’s Test Career in Numbers
Rohit Sharma’s Test career has been nothing short of remarkable. Since his debut in November 2013 at Eden Gardens against the West Indies, where he smashed an explosive 177 runs, he has consistently made headlines. This debut innings still ranks as the second-highest score by an Indian cricketer on Test debut, only behind Shikhar Dhawan’s 187.
In a career spanning 67 Test matches, Rohit scored 4,301 runs at an impressive average of 40.57. His Test tally includes 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. Notably, he holds a unique record – India has never lost a Test in which Rohit has scored a century. His remarkable Test stats are frequently searched on platforms like ESPN Cricinfo and BCCI’s official site.
Major Records Held by Rohit Sharma in Test Cricket
Fastest Spinner Record Surpassed
Rohit Sharma’s recent match against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 turned out to be his last. Though he did not score big in that game, his presence was pivotal. During that series, Varun Chakravarthy made headlines by surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal to become the fastest spinner to 100 IPL wickets.
Longest Streak Without Single-Digit Scores
Rohit holds the world record for most consecutive innings in Test cricket without being dismissed for a single run. In 30 straight innings, he managed to avoid getting out for a single digit, showcasing remarkable consistency.
Rohit-Ashwin Marathon Stand
During a Test against the West Indies in 2013, Rohit Sharma, in partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin, stitched together a marathon 280-run stand for the seventh wicket. This partnership still stands as the highest for the seventh wicket by an Indian duo.
Most Sixes in Indian Test History
Rohit Sharma is the second-highest six-hitter in Indian Test history. With 88 sixes in 116 innings, he is just two short of overtaking Virender Sehwag’s record of 90 sixes. His ability to clear the boundary with ease has made him a fan favorite on platforms like YouTube and Hotstar.
Rohit Sharma in the World Test Championship (WTC)
Rohit Sharma has played a crucial role in India’s journey in the ICC World Test Championship. He has the most runs (2716), most centuries (9), most 50+ scores (17), and most fours (322) for India in WTC matches. Alongside Rishabh Pant, he also shares the record for the most sixes (56) in the championship.
These statistics make him not just a consistent performer but also one of the most impactful Indian batsmen in the Test arena.
Why Did Rohit Sharma Retire from Tests?
While no exact reason was stated, Rohit Sharma hinted that the physical toll of the longest format influenced his decision. As he continues to focus on ODIs and possibly IPL, the retirement allows him to manage his workload better. Fans curious about his future can follow updates via his Instagram account or the official ICC app.
What’s Next for Rohit Sharma?
Rohit may be stepping away from red-ball cricket, but he remains active in ODIs and the Indian Premier League (IPL). His Test jersey is already becoming a top-selling memorabilia item, and several cricket portals are offering downloadable eBooks and biographies celebrating his illustrious career.
Fans can also register for exclusive Rohit Sharma fan clubs or subscribe to cricket newsletters for more personal updates. With major brands eyeing the Hitman for endorsements, his off-field presence is expected to remain as powerful as ever.
Conclusion: A Farewell to Remember
Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket marks the end of a golden chapter in Indian cricket. From his debut century at Eden Gardens to smashing records in the World Test Championship, Rohit has given fans countless memories. As Indian cricket prepares for a future without him in Tests, his legacy remains etched in history.
FAQs
Q1. When did Rohit Sharma retire from Test cricket?
Ans: On May 7, 2025.
Q2. How many Test matches has Rohit Sharma played?
ANS: 67 matches.
Q3. What’s Rohit Sharma’s debut Test score?
Ans: 177 runs against West Indies.
Q4. Will Rohit Sharma play ODIs after Test retirement?
Ans: Yes, he confirmed he will continue in ODIs.
Q5. How many centuries has Rohit Sharma scored in Tests?
Ans: 12 centuries.