Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect

IN A surprise move, India's captain Rohit Sharma on Wednesday (7) announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect, ending all speculations about his future in red-ball cricket.

Interestingly, the move comes after the Indian Express reported that the national selectors have decided to remove Sharma as captain of India’s Test team, and go with a new leader for the tour of England that starts next month.

The 38-year-old has scored 4301 runs in 67 Tests with 12 hundreds and 18 half-centuries at an average of 40.57.

Rohit captained India to the World Test Championship final against Australia, but fared poorly in the last couple of series against New Zealand at home and the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia.

Against New Zealand, Rohit had averaged just 15.16 in three Tests, while in Australia, he averaged a measly 6.20 in five innings and dropped himself for the final Test.

Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant are the frontrunners to lead India in the five-Test series in England.

The selectors are keen to groom a young leader for the next Test cycle, the daily added.

Tributes pour in

As the news broke, heartfelt tributes poured in from across the cricketing fraternity.

India's World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh reflected on the evolution of a "quiet fighter."

"Test cricket asks a lot of you - grit, patience, and character. Brotherman, you gave it everything and yet made it look effortless. From a quiet fighter to a leader at the top, your journey in whites has been special. Proud of you, go well," Yuvraj said.

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant echoed the emotional void Rohit's absence would leave in the Test team.

"Your presence and impact will echo in that dressing room forever. Always love, @rohitsharma45 bhai," Pant posted on Instagram.

"A master, a leader & a gem!" India head coach Gautam Gambhir posted on his X account.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly felt Rohit made "the right decision at the right time."

Young India opener Yashaswi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel also paid tributes to Rohit.

"Rohit bhai, sharing the crease with you in whites was nothing less than a blessing. Thank you for everything," Jaiswal said.

Dhruv Jurel, who was handed his Test debut under Rohit, added: "Always my first skipper. Happy Retirement, Rohit bhaiya."

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan reminisced Rohit's exploits in England, while wishing him good luck for the future.

"Congratulations @ImRo45 on your test career. 2021 test series in England will be remembered for your heroics. Go well in your next phase," Pathan said.