Rohit Sharma has announced retirement from Test cricket ahead of the five-match Test series between India and England. While the series will be getting underway on June 20, the veteran opener is unlikely to be a part of the team.
The development comes in the wake of a recent report that the selectors have decided to remove Rohit Sharma as the Test captain. The series against England will kickstart the new World Test Championship cycle, and the selection panel wants a new and young leader for the two-year cycle.
BCCI wanted a fresh captain for the new WTC cycle
Rohit Sharma faced severe criticism for his poor display as both captain and batsman in Tests last season. Under his captaincy, India failed to qualify for the WTC final this year after suffering two heavy series losses. The first loss came against New Zealand at home, with the Black Caps inflicting a humiliating 3-0 defeat.
It was India’s first series loss at home since 2012/13. India had the chance to qualify for the final by winning the Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia, but they performed poorly in that series as well. India lost the series 3-1, and their only victory on the tour came under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy.
Rohit Sharma to retire from Tests:
Rohit’s batting performance during both series was dismal too. In both series, he failed to lead the team from the front. Against New Zealand, he scored only 91 runs in 6 innings at an average of 15.16.
It was followed by a disastrous tour of Australia, where he scored only 31 runs in 5 innings at an average of 6.20. With things not going well for Rohit in Tests, the selectors have reportedly decided to remove him as the Test captain ahead of the England series.
Rohit announced retirement
Rohit took to Instagram to announce his decision to retire from Tests. He posted a story on Instagram stating that he has decided to retire from Tests with immediate effect. However, he has assured his fans that he will continue to play ODIs for Team India.
