HITMAN BIDS ADIEU TO WHITES

Rohit Sharma took to his Instagram story to announce his retirement from Test cricket. After a remarkable career, the batsman has decided to retire from the longest format and shift his focus to his ODI career.

He said, “Hello everyone, I would like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format.” 

Over his Test career, Sharma played 67 matches, scoring 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries. 

 

Tributes from the Cricketing World 

Reactions poured in from veteran cricketers to youngsters soon after the news broke. The BCCI thanked the captain on X, “End of an era in whites! @ImRo45 bids adieu to Test cricket. He will continue to lead India in ODIs. We are proud of you, Hitman.” 

Indian team coach Gautam Gambhir called the Hitman a master, leader, and gem. 

Legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble said Rohit elevated his game with every Test match, “From a free-flowing opener to a composed captain, Rohit’s growth in Test cricket has been admirable. He played the game his way—with balance, belief, and quiet strength. Well played, @ImRo45.” 

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant posted on Instagram and praised Rohit for his uplifting presence in the dressing room, “Your presence and impact will echo in that dressing room forever. Always love, @rohitsharma45 bhai.” 

Kuldeep Yadav said he learned so much from Rohit, “Not just a leader, but a brother and mentor. Learned so much just by watching you, bhai! Your legacy in whites will stay with us forever.”

Former teammate Yuvraj Singh praised Rohit for his remarkable longevity, “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, @ImRo45.” 

Legendary commentator Harsha Bhogle acknowledged Rohit's contribution as a skipper and batter for India, “Well played, #RohitSharma. As a player and as captain, you were a joy, and India will say a big thank you to you. That century in Chennai, that one at The Oval—both priceless. You walked out against South Africa to open as if you had done it all your life. Will look forward to watching and, hopefully, calling some more great moments in your ODI career.” 

The 360-degree batsman, AB de Villiers, took to X and said, “What a Test career it has been. Take a bow, @ImRo45. Legend.” 

KL Rahul, Irfan Pathan, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, and teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi also praised and thanked Rohit for his contribution to Test cricket.