Rohit Sharma Decides to Quit After Rumors of Getting Axed From Captaincy

Rohit Sharma's Test Captaincy Under Scrutiny After Series Defeats

By DTD- On May 8, 2025

MUMBAI: Rohit Sharma’s tenure as a Test international has come to an end after the opener decided to call time on his red-ball career—reportedly not on his own terms.

The 38-year-old confirmed his immediate retirement from Test cricket late Wednesday evening, just moments after reports surfaced that the BCCI’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, had decided to remove him as captain ahead of the upcoming tour of England. In a brief statement, Rohit thanked fans and teammates but made no mention of the board—a silence that spoke volumes.

It is a somewhat subdued exit for Rohit Sharma, who revived his Test career in dramatic fashion after being promoted to opener in 2019. He finishes with 4,301 runs in 67 Tests at an average just above 40. His 12 centuries, many of them match-defining knocks at home, made him a cornerstone of India’s red-ball success for half a decade. But with plenty of talent waiting in the wings, India decided to move on, leaving him with no other options.

After being handed the captain’s armband in the longest format in 2022, Rohit Sharma led India in 24 matches, scoring 1,254 runs at an average of 30.58. However, his recent outings left much to be desired. It was under his leadership that New Zealand whitewashed India 3-0 at home for the first time in history last year, while his team also recently surrendered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia for the first time in years.

All signs pointed to his end when he removed himself from the Sydney Test XI—a quiet admission that the writing was on the wall.

Rumors are already circulating about his eventual replacement, with Jasprit Bumrah the likeliest name to get the nod. Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant could also succeed Rohit Sharma in the role, given Bumrah’s injury issues.

Rohit Sharma’s exit will divide opinions, as all major retirements do. Despite not being the most technically gifted batter, he managed to carve a legacy for himself during his time with the squad. With T20Is already in the rearview mirror for him, only one format remains for the Hitman—and it may not be long until he bids international cricket adieu altogether.

For now, he joins a long list of Indian players who have quit international cricket—but not always on their own terms.