Kolkata : Indian legendary Batter and former Test captain Rohit Sharma has officially announced his retirement from Test Cricket.
Rohit guided India to final of 2023 WTC but lost against Australia in the ultimate stage.
He went through nightmare patches both with Bat and captain, as India faced 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand at home. Australia defeated them at home in Border Gavaskar Trophy 3-1. He then dropped himself from playing XI in Sydney test, although India faced defeat there too.
Therefore, Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI senior selection committee has decided to sack Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain for the upcoming England tour, reported The Indian Express. Rohit, who is likely to remain as India’s ODI captain, may travel to England as part of the squad as a specialist batter, but the selectors were repeatedly not ready to keep him as captain based on his recent red-ball form.
Taking to Instagram, Rohit stated: “Hello everyone, I would like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. “It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format.”
According to the report, the selectors have already informed the BCCI and the senior board officials have decided to back the call. The selectors held a series of meetings, the latest one being in Mumbai to chalk out a roadmap for the Test side. This development comes after Rohit himself expressed his desire to lead India in England in a podcast with former Australia captain Michael Clarke.
BCCI reportedly wants to groom young skipper for next WTC cycle. Shubman Gill is next contender for the leadership role ahead of vice captain Jasprit Bumrah as per reports.
“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,” a source told The Indian Express.
Rohit has featured in 67 Tests for India, scoring 4302 runs, including 18 half centuries, 12 centuries, 1 double century and 2 wickets. Despite retiring from T20I and Test, he will continue to lead India in ODI Cricket.
