Rohit Sharma's unexpected retirement from Test cricket left everyone puzzled as to what led to this sudden decision, with just a little over a month to India's all-important tour of England.
However, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has clarified that Rohit Sharma's decision to retire from Test cricket was entirely his own, and that the cricket board did not exert any pressure on the 38-year-old to make that choice. Rohit Sharma announced his retirement through an Instagram story on Wednesday, May 7, just before the team selection for the England tour.
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Rajeev Shukla on Rohit Sharma's Test retirement
In an interview with PTI, Rajeev Shukla stated that the BCCI respects and welcomes Rohit Sharma's decision, emphasizing that the board does not pressure players who choose to retire. The BCCI vice-president further lauded Rohit Sharma's contributions to Indian cricket, recognising him as a truly exceptional batsman.
“As far as Rohit Sharma's retirement from Test cricket is concerned, he has made his own decision. We welcome his decision. It is our policy that the players who take the decision of retirement—we do not put any pressure on them, nor do we suggest anything, nor do we say anything,” Shukla told PTI.
“He has made a big contribution to Test cricket. The more we praise him, the less it is. He is a great batsman. The good thing is that he has not yet decided to retire from cricket. So we will definitely take advantage of his experience and talent. And we wish him luck for his future,” he added.
Regarding the speculation surrounding who will succeed Rohit Sharma as the next India Test captain, BCCI vice-president has stated that the decision rests with the selectors. He made it clear that that there should be no undue speculations on this matter, as the selection committee will ultimately make the appropriate choice.
“That is the job of the selectors. No, there should not be any speculations. The selectors will decide and tell you who the captain is it is solely and purely their call,” Shukla added.
The five-match Test series between India and England is scheduled to kick off at the Leeds Cricket Ground in Headingley, with the first match taking place from June 20 to 24. Following a week's interval, the cricketing action will then shift to Birmingham's Edgbaston Cricket Ground, where the second Test will be held from July 2 to 6. Just four days later, the third Test will unfold at the hallowed grounds of Lord's Cricket Ground in the heart of London, from July 10 to July 14. Manchester will then take over hosting duties for the fourth Test at the iconic Old Trafford from July 23 to July 27. The fifth and final encounter of this compelling series is set to be played at The Oval in London, spanning from July 31 to August 4.
Full schedule for India vs England Test series:
1st Test: 20-24 June, 2025 - Headlingley, Leeds
2nd Test: 2-6 July, 2025 - Edgbaston, Birmingham
3rd Test: 10-14 July, 2025 - Lord’s, London
4th Test: 23-27 July, 2025 - Old Trafford, Manchester
5th Test: 31 July-4 August, 2025 - The Oval, London