Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has justified Rohit Sharma's decision to retire from Test cricket ahead of the England tour. Before Rohit announced in on his social media, there were reports that he was asked to step down as captain ahead of India's World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign opener. Manjrekar pointed out Rohit's average in the previous season starting with the series at home against Bangladesh. He feels that "Rohit's days as Test openers were over".
"164 in his last 15 innings. Out of which 10 were at home v Bangladesh & NZ [New Zealand]. Average 10.9. With his current fitness levels…Rohit Sharma’s days as Test opener were over. So…" Manjrekar wrote on X.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce the new Test captain. There are a few contenders in the current side, including Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant and others. Fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to get the role considering his return after injury and the need to manage his workload.
The 38-year-old Rohit has scored 4,301 runs from 67 Tests at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. As opener, Rohit has scored 2,697 runs from 38 Test at an average of 42.80, including nine centuries and eight half-centuries.
"Hello everyone I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It's been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format," Rohit wrote on social media.
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India's next ODI series
Rohit has already retired from T20Is. He took the decision after leading India to T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in Barbados against South Africa. He will be seen leading India in ODIs when they tour Bangladesh in August 2025. The three-ODI series will be played between August 17 and 23.
Rohit in IPL 2025 so far
Meanwhile, Rohit has scored 300 runs from 11 innings at an average of 30, including three half-centuries. His strike rate is 152.28.