Rohit Sharma, an outstanding name in the cricket world, has once again shaken the country, only this time, it is not with good news. Announcing his retirement on May 7, 2025, on Instagram with a simple story, Rohit Sharma Test Career has come to an end. It feels sudden, feels out of the blue, but it is not the truth.
After Ashwin, Rohit becomes the second veteran who has retired from the format. They will be remembered and celebrated, and in memory of Hitman’s glorious journey and incredibly astonishing achievements, here is everything you need to know about the man who wears the number 45, Rohit Sharma.
A Promising Start
Rohit Sharma Test Career journey commenced in November 2013 during the memorable farewell series of Sachin Tendulkar. 26 years of age, Rohit was yet another promising new face for a team that was losing its star players. Rohit Sharma Test Career was the beginning of the formation of a new era, and now, with his departure, that era is coming to an end.
Debuting Rohit Sharma Test Career against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, Sharma made an immediate impact by scoring 177 runs, the second-highest score by an Indian on debut. He followed this with an unbeaten 111 in the subsequent Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, signaling the arrival of a stellar Test batsman who would go on to be nicknamed as “Hitman” Sharma, known for his powerful hits that his style and ease makes it all look effortless.
Career Highlights and Statistics
Rohit Sharma Test Career consisted of over 67 Test matches that he played. In these, Rohit scored a grand total of 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57. This is including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries which is a record-worthy feat on its own. He scored 212 against South Africa in Ranchi in the October of 2019 which became his highest score yet.
It can be said thus that Rohit Sharma Test Career is one that holds the record for the highest 7th-wicket partnership for India in Tests, a 280-run stand with Ravichandran Ashwin during his debut match.
Stat | Rohit Sharma Test Career |
Matches Played | 67 |
Total Runs Scored | 4,301 |
Batting Average | 40.57 |
Centuries (100s) | 12 |
Half-Centuries (50s) | 18 |
Highest Score | 212 vs South Africa (Ranchi, 2019) |
Record Partnership | 280 runs for 7th wicket with R. Ashwin |
Notable Record | Highest 7th-wicket stand for India in Tests |
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Rohit Sharma Test Career: Leadership and Captaincy
After being appointed as India’s new Test captain after Virat Kohli in February 2022 is when Rohit Sharma began his legacy as a distinct captain of the Indian Cricket team. Under his captaincy India went on and played 24 Tests and secured victories in half of them due to Rohit’s leading skills.
In 2023 World Cup Rohit Sharma as captain not only lead team India into the finals but also was one of the highest run-scorers in the entirety of that world cup. Then in earler this year, in the early 2025 he lead the team to yet another world cup and this time made sure to win that trophy home. Today Rohit Sharma is celebrated as one of the greatest captains of the Indian Cricket team and for good reason too.
Challenges and Decline
Despite having such a strong start, Sharma’s form witnessed a natural decline in the past few years. In the last year itself he averaged just 10.93, with only one score above 30 in 15 innings which got the spectators as well as the experts talking. Those who knew him personally had already predicted that should he fail to bring his form up he may consider retiring.
His slump included series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia, where India suffered multiple defeats. His decision to retire thus came ahead of the England tour, allowing selectors to consider new leadership options, preparing the team for the future.
Legacy and Impact : Rohit Sharma Test Career
Rohit Sharma Test career has been one of elegance that he has carried out with an enviable ease. Across the young and emerging generation, Sharma has inspired the youth by his ability to adapt.
Coming from a middle-order batsman to a reliable opener has been proof of his versatility and his vigour. His contributions have been invaluable in many important matches which turned into victories throughout the years. His leadership has been known and lauded by many—players and experts alike.
His newfound ways that helped bring the team together in ways that were previously lacking helped immensely especially during the team’s transitional phases is something that has been talked about by the fellow players of the team.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already mentioned him and his contributions to the game by stating, “Rohit Sharma’s commitment and performances have been instrumental in India’s success over the years.”
The Road Ahead
“Hello everyone,” wrote Rohit Sharma as his retirement announcement on his Instagram Story with a picture of the Team India Test cap, “I would just 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.”
It is a total shock, fans are still trying to grapple with reality, but while Sharma steps away from Test cricket he still continues to be an integral part of India’s One-Day International (ODI) format. His influence on the younger generation has already marked his legacy that shall continue to prosper within the team.