The Retirement of Rohit Sharma from Test Cricket
Test captain of India for England announces retirement from Test cricket: Rohit Sharma divulges decision live updates
Powerhouse batsman Rohit Sharma has decided to hang up his test cricket boots, effective immediately.
With India set to take on England in a five-Test series commencing June 20, following their 1-3 defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier in the year, questions abound about who will take the helm for the upcoming battle.
Rohit's tenure as Test captain has been rocky, especially in recent times. India has lost 5 out of the past 6 Tests under his leadership, including a crushing 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand last year. Despite leading India to victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy, it remains to be seen if this achievement will be enough to secure his trip to England as Test skipper.
Rumors are swirling that Rohit may be replaced as Test captain due to the team's overall performance under his leadership (Indian Express, May 7).
Here's the latest on India's Test captaincy for the England tour:
Who's Next in Line for India's Test Captaincy?
Rohit's Test Captaincy: A Mixed Bag
Rohit led India in 24 Tests, winning 12, losing 9, and drawing 3. Only Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, and Mohammad Azharuddin have won more Tests as India captains than him.
Runs, Tonnes, and Test Matches: Rohit's Test Statistics
Rohit wraps up his Test career with 67 matches under his belt and an impressive batting average of 40.57.
Captaincy in ODIs Remains on the Table
The Announcement: Rohit Retires from Test Cricket!
BCCI Removal on the Horizon?
According to The Indian Express, the BCCI may be planning to remove Rohit from the Test captain role. No official confirmation has been given yet.
Struggling with the Bat
Rohit has failed to score above 20 in his last nine Test innings. His batting average since the 2024/2025 season is a concerning 10.93 across 8 Test matches.
Staggering Test Record as Captain in the Last Eight Months
Rohit's performance as Test captain has taken a significant downturn over the past 8 months. His winning streak of 6 victories ended abruptly, and he has not won a single Test since then.
Is Rohit Sharma Out as Test Captain?
Rumors suggest that Rohit will be replaced as Test captain for the England tour, with no official statement from the BCCI as of yet.
Potential candidates to take over include Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill, though neither has fully proven themselves for the role (The Indian Express). The final decision lies with the selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, and an announcement regarding the series in England is expected soon.
Sources:[1] https://www.indianexpress.com/cricket/england-tour-of-india-2025/ Rohit Sharma might not be India's Test captain for England tour, report says, Indian Express, May 7, 2025.[2] Rohit Sharma's retirement: Top contenders for India's Test captaincy, The Times of India, May 7, 2025.[3] Possible candidates to replace Rohit Sharma as Test captain, NDTV Cricket, May 7, 2025.[4] India to announce squad for England tour soon, ESPNCricinfo, May 7, 2025.
- Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill are rumored to be potential replacements for Rohit Sharma as Test captain for the England tour, according to reports from The Indian Express.
- The selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, is expected to make an announcement regarding the series in England and the new Test captain soon.
- Despite leading India to victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy, Rohit Sharma's tenure as Test captain has been criticized due to the team's overall performance under his leadership, with India losing 5 out of the past 6 Tests under his leadership.
