BCCI issues clarification on allegations of forcing Rohit Sharma into Test retirement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has broken his silence on whether Jasprit Bumrah would be appointed as India’s new Test captain as he reacted to Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the longest format of the game.

On Wednesday, May 7, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket despite getting the Grade A central contract from the BCCI. However, the seasoned opener will continue playing ODIs, but his sudden retirement shocked many, as he was recently excited for the England tour.

We never pressure anyone or ask them to retire: Rajeev Shukla on Rohit Sharma's Test retirement

Reacting to the Hitman’s call, Rajeev Shukla confirmed that Rohit has decided to retire from Test cricket and said the BCCI respects his decision. The BCCI Vice-President acknowledged Rohit’s contributions to Indian cricket and said that his Test performances will always be remembered.

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Rajeev Shukla was quoted as saying by ANI, “Rohit Sharma has contributed a lot to Indian cricket. He has made the decision to retire from Test cricket. It is the policy of BCCI that if a player decides to retire, we never put pressure on them. We never pressure anyone or ask them to retire. It is his decision, and he must have thought it through. We welcome his decision and appreciate his contribution. His test innings will always be remembered.”

Shukla also added that Rohit still has a lot to offer in ODIs and will continue to serve the country in the shorter formats. He noted, “There is a lot of cricket left in him. He will keep playing in the ODI matches and contribute to the country.”

Read Also: Rohit Sharma wanted to play 2 Tests vs England; BCCI blocked him- Report

#WATCH | Delhi: On Team India skipper Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test Cricket, BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla says "Rohit Sharma has contributed a lot for the country. It is the policy of BCCI that if a player decides to retire, we never put pressure on them. It is… pic.twitter.com/JLm5wZgKSg

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025

Rajeev Shukla says Jasprit Bumrah's captaincy fate lies with the Indian selectors

Meanwhile, there is a question on everyone’s mind: whether Jasprit Bumrah will be the next Test captain of Team India. But for now, there’s no clear answer. Rajeev Shukla has hinted that the decision has not yet been made. The BCCI vice president said that the board is expected to take a call only after the IPL 2025, and it will be the selectors who will select the next Test captain.

Shukla signed off by saying, “We cannot say it now. It is up to the selectors who will be the captain. The selectors will think about it and decide who will be the captain. It will be decided after the IPL.”

#WATCH | Delhi: On being asked if Jasprit Bumrah will be named the captain of Indian Test Cricket team, BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla says "Nothing can be said right now. It is up to the selectors on who will be named the next Captain. Discussions will be done once the IPL is… pic.twitter.com/KBveF5kpyK

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025

Rohit Sharma's Test career

Notably, Rohit's Test journey had begun in 2013, and he built a solid career in the format over the years. He played 67 Test matches for India, scoring 4,301 runs with the help of 12 centuries and 18 fifties. His highest score came in 2019 when he smashed 212 against South Africa.

As captain, Rohit led the Indian cricket team in 24 Tests, guiding the side to 12 wins. India’s next Test assignment is a tour of England next month, where they will play five Tests from June 20. The upcoming England-India Test series will mark the start of the next ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Read Also: Did Rohit Sharma retire himself or was he forced by BCCI? Ugly report out in the media