On May 7, 2025, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a red-ball journey that was as complex as it was inspiring. From a dream debut to becoming India’s captain, Rohit’s Test career is a story of delayed brilliance, setbacks, transformation and ultimately, redemption.
A Dream Debut
Rohit made his Test debut in November 2013 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens. It couldn’t have been more dramatic: he scored a magnificent 177 in his very first innings. Just days later, at Wankhede Stadium, he followed it up with an unbeaten 111*, in what was also Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell Test.
Two matches. Two centuries. A fairy-tale start.
The Struggle to Find a Place
But Test cricket is never easy, and Rohit soon discovered that. Between 2014 and 2018, Rohit’s red-ball career remained stop-start. He was in and out of the side, rarely trusted for overseas tours. His Test average hovered around the low 30s for years, and many believed he wasn’t suited for the format.
Between his debut and the end of 2018, he had played just 27 Tests in five years.
2019: The Reinvention
Everything changed in October 2019. Rohit Sharma was asked to open the innings in Tests—a bold, almost desperate move by the team management. But Rohit grabbed it with both hands.
In the 3-Test series against South Africa at home, he scored:
176 (1st Test)
127 (1st Test, 2nd innings)
212 (3rd Test, Ranchi – his career-best)
From middle-order doubts to a dominant opener—the transformation was stunning.
Numbers Post-Promotion (Oct 2019 – Dec 2021)
Matches: 20
Runs: 1,611
Average: 52.00+
Centuries: 5
Fifties: 6
He played crucial innings in Australia, England, and at home. His technique against spin and newfound patience against seam made him a complete Test batsman.
Iconic Knocks That Defined Him
127 at The Oval, 2021 – Rohit’s first overseas century in SENA countries. A masterclass of control and grit.
161 vs England, Chennai 2021 – On a difficult pitch, this was Rohit’s finest home innings.
212 vs South Africa, Ranchi 2019 – His highest Test score, showing aggressive dominance.
Leading India
Rohit Sharma became India’s full-time Test captain in 2022, succeeding Virat Kohli. Under his leadership:
India remained unbeaten at home.
Reached the World Test Championship Final 2023.
Though India lost to Australia at The Oval in that final, Rohit’s calm leadership and support for young players stood out.
Final Career Test Stats
Matches: 67
Runs: 4,301
Average: 40.57
Centuries: 12
Fifties: 16
Highest Score: 212
Catches: 60+
The Decline and Decision
In his final 19 Test innings, Rohit scored only one century. With younger players knocking on the door and his own form dipping, the decision to retire was as graceful as it was timely.
He exits not as a struggling veteran, but as someone who transformed his career and earned respect worldwide.
A Legacy Carved in Grit
Rohit Sharma’s Test career is a lesson in patience, adaptability, and evolution. He may not have been the most natural Test cricketer, but he worked hard to become one.
From being told “he doesn’t belong in Tests” to becoming India’s most consistent opener since Sehwag—Rohit proved everyone wrong.
He didn’t just play Test cricket. He conquered it. On his own terms.
Thank you, Rohit.The whites will miss you. But your story will inspire forever.
