On May 7, 2025, Rohit Sharma, one of the most accomplished and celebrated cricketers in the history of Indian cricket, announced his retirement from Test cricket. This announcement came as a surprise to many, especially considering his stature and influence in the Indian cricket team. At 38, Sharma’s decision marks the end of an era for Indian Test cricket, where he was a pivotal figure, both as a player and as a leader. However, he will continue his journey with India in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), where his impact remains profound.
In this post, we take a deep dive into Rohit Sharma’s career, his journey in Test cricket, the reasons behind his retirement, and what the future holds for him and Indian cricket.
Full Name: Rohit Gurunath Sharma
Date of Birth: April 30, 1987
Place of Birth: Bansod, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Nickname: Hitman, Ro, Shaana
Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters)
Batting Style: Right-hand bat
Bowling Style: Right-arm offbreak (though he’s primarily known for his batting)
Role in Team: Opening batsman, Captain (currently in limited-overs formats)
Family:
- Father: Gurunath Sharma (worked in the warehouse business)
- Mother: Purnima Sharma
- Wife: Ritika Sajdeh (married in December 2015)
- Daughter: Samaira Sharma (born in 2018)
Early Life:
- Rohit Sharma was born into a middle-class family in Bansod, Maharashtra. He moved to Mumbai with his family at a young age and was raised by his mother after his father’s departure.
- He started his cricketing journey at the age of 11 when he joined the Swami Vivekanand International School in Mumbai.
- Sharma’s early cricketing influence was his coach, Dinesh Lad, who saw potential in him and honed his batting skills.
Cricketing Career:
- Domestic Cricket: Rohit made his debut for Mumbai in 2006, and his consistent performances in the domestic circuit helped him secure a spot in the national team.
- International Debut:
- ODI: His debut came on June 23, 2007, against Ireland in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20.
- Test: He made his Test debut on November 6, 2013, against the West Indies.
- T20I: He made his T20I debut on September 19, 2007, during the same World Twenty20.
Key Achievements:
- Highest Individual Score in ODI: Rohit Sharma holds the record for the highest individual score in an ODI match, with a mammoth 264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014.
- ODI Double Centuries: He is the only player to score three double centuries in ODIs.
- ICC Champions Trophy 2013: Sharma played a key role in India winning the ICC Champions Trophy.
- World Cup Performances: Rohit Sharma has been a key figure in India’s World Cup campaigns, scoring consistently and even registering multiple centuries in the 2019 World Cup.
- Indian Premier League (IPL): Sharma has been one of the most successful captains in the IPL, leading the Mumbai Indians to five titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020).
Captaincy:
- Rohit Sharma was appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team for ODIs and T20Is in 2017 and later became the captain of the limited-overs formats.
- He has been successful as a captain, leading India to numerous victories, including the Asia Cup and the 2020 ICC World Test Championship final.
Personal Life:
- Rohit Sharma is married to Ritika Sajdeh, a sports manager, and the couple has one daughter, Samaira.
- Off the field, Rohit is known for his calm and composed demeanor. He enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid fan of football.
- He also has a passion for food and is known for his love for Punjabi cuisine.
Controversies:
- Though largely free from major controversies, Sharma has faced criticism for his occasional inconsistency in Test cricket, particularly during his early years in the format.
- His relationship with the media has been straightforward, and he has always maintained a positive image in the public eye.
Philanthropy and Social Work:
- Rohit Sharma has contributed to several charitable causes, including supporting various initiatives for children’s education and healthcare.
- He is actively involved in promoting awareness for cancer-related causes and has supported campaigns that aim to raise funds for cancer patients.
Hobbies and Interests:
- Apart from cricket, Rohit is passionate about football and supports the Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL).
- He has a love for music and enjoys playing the guitar during his downtime.
Endorsements:
Rohit Sharma is one of the most marketable cricketers in India, having endorsement deals with major brands like Adidas, Hublot, and many others. His marketability and appeal have made him one of the top celebrities in the Indian sports industry.
Rohit Sharma’s personal life reflects his dedication not only to cricket but also to his family, his community, and his passions beyond the sport. His journey from a young boy with a dream in Mumbai to becoming one of the finest cricketers in the world is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and determination. As he continues to play a pivotal role in India’s limited-overs cricket, his legacy in Test cricket will remain an inspiration for young cricketers across the globe.
A Storied Test Career
Rohit Sharma’s Test career began in 2013, and over the next decade, he built a reputation as one of the most consistent and talented batsmen in Indian cricket. With 67 Test matches under his belt, Sharma amassed 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. His contributions were not just limited to his individual performances but also to the Indian team’s success in various international campaigns.
One of the most iconic moments in his Test career came during the 2019 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Sharma emerged as a key player in India’s historic 2-1 series win in Australia. His ability to adapt to challenging conditions and play long, crucial innings in high-pressure situations earned him widespread admiration.
Another highlight was his leadership role in guiding India to the World Test Championship final in 2023. Under his leadership, India became one of the most formidable Test teams, consistently holding the No.1 ranking in ICC Test rankings for several years.
Sharma’s ability to turn up when it mattered the most—whether it was scoring vital centuries or captaining the team with distinction—cemented his place in the annals of Indian cricket history. He was instrumental in India’s rise as a global Test cricket powerhouse.
The Declining Form and Leadership Transition
Despite a career full of highs, Rohit Sharma’s recent performances had started to raise questions about his place in the Test team. Over the past year, his average dipped significantly, and he struggled with consistency. Against teams like Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia, Sharma found himself underperforming, with scores often falling below expectations.
In fact, during the 2024-2025 season, Sharma’s batting average dropped to an alarming 10.93, leading selectors to start considering alternative leadership options for the Test team. His once unshakable presence at the top of the order seemed to be under threat from younger players such as Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw.
Despite these challenges, Sharma’s leadership qualities remained intact. His calm demeanor, decision-making skills, and ability to manage a team of diverse personalities were always assets. However, with the rise of new leaders in the Indian team and the upcoming series against England, the selectors felt it was time to make a change.
After thoughtful deliberation, Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket, acknowledging that it was time to step down and allow the next generation of players to take over. This decision came ahead of India’s tour to England, marking the beginning of a new era in Indian Test cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI Legacy
While Sharma bids farewell to Test cricket, his journey in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) is far from over. In fact, he is regarded as one of the greatest limited-overs cricketers of all time. Known for his impeccable timing and ability to dominate opposition bowlers, Sharma has amassed over 9,000 runs in ODIs, with a remarkable average of 48.96.
He holds the record for the highest individual score in an ODI match, an astonishing 264 runs, a feat that remains unmatched. Additionally, he is the only player in history to have scored three double centuries in ODIs, further solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s finest.
Under his captaincy, India reached the final of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Although India fell short in the final, Sharma’s leadership and batting performances throughout the tournament were nothing short of exceptional. His consistent form and ability to guide the team through tough situations make him a vital part of India’s future in the 50-over format.
With the 2023 Champions Trophy under his belt and the 2027 World Cup in sight, Sharma’s ODI career is expected to continue for several more years. As India gears up for future global tournaments, Sharma’s experience, leadership, and batting prowess will remain an integral part of the team’s strategy.
Reactions from the Cricketing World
The announcement of Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket was met with an outpouring of love and admiration from the cricketing community. Fellow players, both current and past, took to social media to express their gratitude and appreciation for his contributions to Indian cricket.
Virat Kohli, Sharma’s long-time teammate and friend, described him as “one of the finest cricketers India has ever produced” and hailed him for his leadership, both on and off the field. Similarly, former players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid also paid tribute to Sharma’s incredible career, acknowledging his ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of international cricket and his leadership in transforming India into one of the top teams in world cricket.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also expressed its gratitude, calling it “the end of an era.” Sharma’s impact on the game, both in terms of his performances and his leadership, will be remembered for years to come.
The Future of Indian Test Cricket
With Rohit Sharma’s retirement, the Indian team faces the challenge of transitioning to a new leadership structure. Players like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul are all in the mix as potential future leaders of the Indian Test team.
Shubman Gill, who has consistently performed in all formats, is seen by many as a natural successor to Sharma’s captaincy. His maturity and consistency at a young age make him a strong candidate to take over the reins. Rishabh Pant, known for his fearless approach to batting and leadership, is another potential candidate, although his injury setbacks have hampered his Test appearances.
The upcoming series against England will be a defining moment for the team, as they not only adapt to the absence of Sharma in the Test format but also figure out the future direction of the team under new leadership.
A Legacy that Endures
Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket marks the conclusion of a glorious chapter in the history of Indian cricket. As a player, captain, and mentor, Sharma has made a lasting impact on the game. His career has been filled with records, accolades, and moments that will be etched in the minds of cricket fans worldwide.
But while his Test career has come to an end, his contributions to Indian cricket will live on. His leadership, batting skills, and unparalleled ability to rise to the occasion have left an indelible mark. As fans, we now look forward to his continued success in ODIs, where he will surely continue to break records and inspire the next generation of cricketers.
Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket is not an end but a new beginning—a new phase where his focus will shift to limited-overs cricket, where he remains one of the best in the world. As he embarks on this new chapter, cricket fans across the globe will continue to support and celebrate his contributions to the game.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket signifies the end of an era. His incredible achievements in the longest format, his leadership, and his consistency will forever be remembered. As he continues to play in ODIs, there is no doubt that Sharma’s legacy will live on for years to come. The transition in Indian Test cricket will be challenging, but with the new generation of players, the team is well-positioned to continue its success. The future of Indian cricket remains bright, and the legacy of players like Rohit Sharma will be an inspiration for generations to come.