Test retirement was on Rohit Sharma’s mind’ – Ex-BCCI official slams speculation around exit

India needs a new Test captain for the upcoming five-match series against England after Rohit Sharma announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday, ending widespread speculation about his future in the format.

The 38-year-old, who retired from T20Is after leading India to a World Cup victory last year, will now focus solely on ODIs.

“Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in ODIs,” Rohit posted on Instagram, alongside a photo of his Test cap.

The BCCI confirmed he would remain ODI captain, writing on X: “Thank you, Captain. End of an era in whites! ImRo45 bids adieu to Test cricket. We are proud of you, Hitman.”

India will name a new Test captain for the England tour starting June 20. Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant are possible options. 

There was no question of dropping Rohit Sharma from Tests: Ex-BCCI official

While Bumrah has Test captaincy experience, his recurring fitness issues have placed Rahul and Gill as frontrunners.

“The retirement from Test cricket was on Rohit's mind since India won the Champions Trophy. A new WTC (World Test Championship) cycle was starting, and hence he thought this was the best time. Where does the question of dropping him come from?” a former BCCI official told PTI, rejecting speculation that Rohit was axed.

With over 11,000 ODI runs, 32 centuries, and two ICC titles, Rohit remains a legend in white-ball cricket. He scored 4,301 runs in 67 Tests, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties, averaging 40.57.

A source told PTI that Rohit aims to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup and is committed to maintaining fitness. He reportedly decided to step away from Tests after India won the Champions Trophy in March, choosing to exit before the new WTC cycle began.

Insiders claim the selectors did not assure him of a place in the England-bound squad, prompting Rohit to take control of his narrative. While the selection committee met informally in Mumbai, it’s unclear whether head coach Gautam Gambhir joined virtually from Delhi.

Despite recent underwhelming home series against New Zealand and Australia, Rohit led India to the World Test Championship final, marking a strong tenure as Test captain

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