By Zainab Shafiq 
In a move that signals the end of an era, Rohit Sharma has called time on his Test cricket career, leaving India in urgent need of a new red-ball captain just weeks ahead of a marquee five-Test series in England.
The 38-year-old opener, who has long been a pillar at the top of India’s batting order, made the announcement via social media on Wednesday evening. “It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites,” he wrote, confirming that he will continue to play One-Day Internationals. This retirement follows his earlier exit from T20Is after leading India to a triumphant World Cup title last year.
Sharma’s decision comes in the wake of a prolonged slump in form. Over the past year, his performances have drawn scrutiny—particularly during the forgettable tour of Australia, where he managed just 87 runs across eight innings. Despite India’s series win over Bangladesh, successive defeats against New Zealand and Australia placed a spotlight on Sharma’s leadership and form. Though he initially framed his absence from the final Test in Sydney as a temporary step back, his final decision marks a significant personal and national turning point.
Rohit Sharma steps down from Test cricket, Bumrah frontrunner for captaincy
India’s selectors now face a tight turnaround. With the IPL concluding in May and the England series starting June 20 at Headingley, the BCCI must swiftly identify Sharma’s successor. Jasprit Bumrah, currently vice-captain, appears to be the front-runner, having led India in challenging overseas conditions before.
In an earlier interview with Star Sports, Sharma offered insight into his thought process: “There’s no guarantee of runs coming in two or five months. I’ve learned to be realistic. Critics don’t define when we retire or captain. I do.”
That realism now defines a major shift in India’s Test cricket setup. Sharma’s departure removes a seasoned voice from the dressing room, but it also opens the door for a fresh leadership approach as India prepares to face England in what could be a defining series for the next generation.
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