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

Team India opener Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming five-match series against England. According to a report in PTI, the 38-year-old batter did not make the decision overnight and made up his mind after leading India to their Champions Trophy 2025 victory.

Rohit Sharma's recent form in Test cricket has been dismal. The right-handed batter dropped himself from the playing XI for the fifth and final Test match against Australia in Sydney. The Indian captain remained silent on his retirement rumors following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series.

Rohit Sharma Determined to Play in the 2027 ODI World Cup

According to a PTI report, the BCCI selectors recently met in Mumbai to plan the squad for the England tour, and Rohit made it clear he intended to retire on his own terms. Rohit had already decided to step away from Test cricket following India’s Champions Trophy win in March.

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Rohit, who is focused on playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup, is committed to staying fit for the event. He wants to retire from Tests ahead of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

"Rohit is determined to play the 2027 ODI World Cup, and he will do everything in his power to remain fit and play the mega-event," a source close to the Indian skipper told PTI.

"The retirement from Test cricket was on Rohit's mind since India won the Champions Trophy. A new WTC (World Test Championship) cycle was starting, and hence he thought this was the best time," a source close to the Indian skipper told the news agency.

Ex-BCCI Official Questions Rohit Sharma's Omission Amid Retirement Talk

A former BCCI official has criticized the narrative surrounding Rohit Sharma’s retirement, questioning the logic behind his omission from the squad. The official, who has closely followed Rohit’s career, raised a pointed question about the situation.

"If Rohit had decided that he would call it quits in Tests, where does the question of dropping him come?" a former BCCI office-bearer, who has watched Rohit closely over the years, thought aloud.

Rohit has confirmed that he will continue to play ODI cricket for India. He remains focused on the limited-overs format. However, it remains to be seen whether the BCCI will allow him to continue as ODI captain, given their usual preference for having separate captains for the ODI and Test formats.

Rohit Sharma Dropped Himself from Playing XI During Border-Gavaskar Series

Rohit Sharma led the team to the World Test Championship final against Australia. He failed to guide the team to victory during the home series against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit dropped himself from the playing XI during the Border-Gavaskar series due to poor form.

Jasprit Bumrah, with his seniority and leadership experience, is considered a top contender. However, concerns over his workload management have raised doubts about his suitability for the role.

Rohit made his Test debut in 2013 against the West Indies and played 67 Tests. He scored 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 18 half-centuries and 12 centuries, with a best score of 212 against South Africa in 2019. As captain, he led India in 24 Tests, securing 12 wins, nine losses, and three draws.

Also read: 4 RCB players, including captain Rajat Patidar, at risk of IPL 2025 elimination