Rohit Sharma on Wednesday officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to weeks of speculation. The 38-year-old, who led India in multiple ICC finals and brought home both the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup, will now focus only on ODI cricket, where he remains India’s captain.
However, a former BCCI official has now questioned the way Rohit’s retirement narrative has played out in the media, strongly hinting that he was never in danger of being dropped, and that the decision to step away was entirely Rohit’s own.
“Where’s the Question of Dropping Him?” Asks Ex-BCCI Official
A former office-bearer, closely associated with Indian cricket, expressed displeasure at how rumors surrounding Rohit’s Test exclusion were allowed to circulate unchecked.
“If Rohit had already decided to step away, where does the question of dropping him come in?” the official asked, indicating that internal clarity existed well before his public announcement.
Sources also confirmed that Rohit had informed BCCI of his Test retirement after India won the Champions Trophy in March, choosing to step aside at the start of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Selection Uncertainty Reportedly Bothered Rohit
It is understood that the selectors did not offer clarity about Rohit’s place in the upcoming England Test tour squad, which may have accelerated his decision to go public.
Rohit reportedly told the board he wanted the “final call on his career” to be his own, not left to speculation or public opinion.
Gautam Gambhir’s Influence and Speculation
Although both Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir have denied any rift, there has been ongoing speculation about clashes in philosophy — particularly after Gambhir’s public vow to “end star culture” in Indian cricket.
Gambhir has consistently emphasized performance over reputation, and while the BCCI hasn’t commented officially, there is a belief that a shift in leadership dynamics may have influenced Rohit’s move.
Rohit’s Test Legacy
- Matches: 67
- Runs: 4301
- Centuries: 12
- Average: 40.57
- Captaincy Highlight: Leading India to WTC Final in 2023
While his Test numbers aren’t towering, Rohit was India’s most consistent batter in the second half of his red-ball career and provided crucial stability as an opener.
Who Will Be India’s Next Test Captain?
The upcoming five-Test series against England starting June 20 will mark the beginning of a new chapter. Here are the frontrunners:
- Jasprit Bumrah – Vice-captain but injury-prone
- KL Rahul – Senior, experienced, and currently in form
- Shubman Gill – Young, long-term prospect, being groomed
- Rishabh Pant – Explosive Test record, but coach’s support uncertain
Gill is reportedly the favorite, with selectors seeking a long-term leader to guide India through the next WTC cycle.
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