"Mentally, it is...": Rohit Sharma’s emotional confession on Test cricket after retirement

India National Cricket Team ODI captain Rohit Sharma has opened up on the challenges of Test cricket months after he retired from the longest format of the game.

Rohit Sharma said that Test cricket is mentally very challenging and draining, and a player needs to prepare himself very well for the format.

Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket in May 2025

On May 7, 2025, the modern-day batting great Rohit announced through Instagram that he would be retiring from Test cricket and would not be available for selection for the India tour of England 2025.

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His retirement came on the back of India's humiliating loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia and the home Test series whitewash against New Zealand.

There was also a major dip in Rohit Sharma's form as well, and with a new ICC World Test Championship cycle starting with the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the batter thought it was the right time to make way for the youngsters.

His retirement opened the door for a new Test captain, and the BCCI handed the responsibility to Shubman Gill, who did a wonderful job against England and helped India draw the Test series.

Meanwhile, Rohit scored 4301 runs in 67 matches at an average of 40.57 in his Test career and had a decent run as the captain.

Mentally, it is very challenging and it is draining as well - Rohit Sharma

Speaking at a CEAT event while speaking on preparations for big moments, Rohit Sharma said that a young cricketer plays the game for fun and as his journey progresses, he understands the importance of preparation.

"It is something that you prepare for, because the game demands longevity. Especially in the Test format, you have to last for five days. Mentally, it is very challenging and it is draining as well. But all cricketers have been brought up playing First-Class cricket," Rohit Sharma said, as quoted by PTI.

"When we start playing cricket at a competitive level, even in Mumbai, club cricket (matches) go on for two days (or) three days so we are built like that and it starts at a very young age for us. It kind of makes it a little easier how to respond to situations that are there in front of you," he added.

"...when I started playing the sport, it was all about having fun, enjoying (it). As you go on, you start playing age group cricket and you kind of keep moving forward from that. Slowly, as you meet a lot of senior players (and) coaches, they talk about how important it is to prepare well.

"When you are very young, you don't understand the importance of preparation. But as you go along, you understand, it gives you a kind of discipline that the game asks for, so it starts with preparation, understanding what exactly you need to do," Rohit Sharma said.

A lot of work starts behind the scenes - Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma further said that being mentally fresh all the time is very important while playing Test cricket, and behind-the-scenes preparations play a key role in success.

"It takes a lot when you're playing the longest format and concentration is something that is the key, because you are speaking about high level performance and when you are expecting to put in high level performance, it starts with being mentally fresh all the time," he said.

"A lot of work starts behind the scenes. Like I said, in preparation. I have to go back again to that because that is where it all starts. You prepare yourself to sustain for the longer period of time on the field." Rohit said.

"It exactly happened to the same (way) with me, when I started playing for Mumbai and then went on to play for India. A lot of the focus, a lot of my time was given (on) how I prepped before the game. Because once the game starts, it's all about reaction and you react to whatever is thrown at you, whether it is a pressure situation, whether it is making the right decision on the field with the bat or with the ball."

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