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Former India's explosive batter Virender Sehwag has offered his perspective on Rohit Sharma's recent and unexpected retirement from Test cricket, describing it as an intelligent and proactive decision made at an opportune moment. Sehwag speculates that there was likely a significant underlying reason that prompted Rohit Sharma to make this choice.
The former Indian opening batsman suggests that Rohit Sharma must have engaged in discussions with the national selectors, where he perhaps received an indication that he was no longer being considered a part of their Test plans, either as captain or as a player, for the approaching tour of England.
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Sehwag opines that the selectors probably communicated their future strategies to Rohit, and rather than waiting to be dropped or relegated, the "Hitman" chose to retire on his own terms. This, according to Sehwag, underscores a clear understanding and communication between the player and the selection committee.
Virender Sehwag on what led to Rohit Sharma's Test retirement
Commending Rohit's decision, the former Indian opener lauded the Indian skipper's move as "amazing," especially considering the widespread discussions about his preparations for the upcoming five-match Test series in England. Sehwag also recalled that even during the Australia tour when Rohit was in India, he had dismissed rumors of his potential Test retirement.
“What happened is probably this: when the selectors made their decision, maybe they thought, ‘We won't announce Rohit Sharma as the Test captain,’ or perhaps, ‘We won't even take him as a player’ for the England tour," Virender Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.
"I'm sure the selectors would have spoken to him, told him what they were thinking, and then offered him some options. That's why, before the team was announced, before anything else was made public, Rohit announced his retirement. That's a good sign,” he added.
Sehwag also heaped praise on Rohit Sharma for his remarkable contributions to Indian cricket in all three formats of the game. He said that fans have consistently enjoyed watching Rohit bat and appreciated the excitement he brought to the sport. Despite acknowledging Rohit's achievements, Sehwag expressed a sentiment that the stylish right-handed batsman could have continued playing and potentially reached the milestone of 100 Test matches.
“Who wouldn't miss a player like him? Whether it's Test cricket, ODI cricket, or T20 cricket, he always provided full entertainment. Fans enjoyed watching his batting, and the records he's made are outstanding. Yes, there's always that feeling—he could have played a bit longer. He could have reached 100 Test matches, and only a few elite players have achieved that milestone. But he's made his decision, and that's fine. His career has been absolutely brilliant,” Sehwag concluded.
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