According to Adam Gilchrist, a former Australian wicketkeeper who spoke with Rohit Sharma during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Indian captain’s decision to retire from Test cricket was not surprising. On Wednesday, May 7, the 38-year-old shocked the cricket community by declaring his retirement from the long format.
Rohit has been in awful Test form over the past three series, starting with the two-match affair at home against Bangladesh. With a single half-century in 15 innings, the seasoned batsman has averaged less than 11 in his last eight Test matches.
It got to the point where Rohit dropped himself for the final Test of the Australian tour in Sydney after averaging an awful 6.20 in the three Tests prior.
Speaking on Cricbuzz regarding Rohit’s retirement, Gilchrist stated (via Hindustan Times):
“It’s an odd thing to say, but I’m thrilled for him. And I think it would be that he’s made the decision. I sensed at Sydney, talking to him in and around the Sydney Test, when he left himself out or whatever the case was there. I just thought, talking with him, I felt like that’s the end of the road for him.”
Adam Gilchrist
He continued:
“He was going to allow himself time to go away and the Champions Trophy and see how he’s going and stuff. But I congratulate him on a fantastic contribution to his Test career. He’s a white ball master, there’s no doubt about that. But he’s made significant contributions to Test career as well.”
Adam Gilchrist
Rohit concluded his Test career with 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 from 67 games, including 12 hundreds and 18 half-centuries.
“Always love people realizing that” – Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist has appreciated Rohit Sharma for departing from the fifth and elongated format of the game at the correct juncture before the India tour of England. India appointed him as the test captain in 2022 when he was 38 years and in his captaincy, India recorded 12 victories in 24 tests.
However, his captaincy record was not good as india lost the series on new Zealand and against Australia in home and away series respectively.
“I think he’s just realised that maybe the time’s right and I always love people realizing that. So they now get the chance to start to reflect on it and enjoy all the accolades that come his way because they’re thoroughly deserved. I’ll tell you that is very special.”
Adam Gilchrist
Team India is now looking for a new captain and opener for their next Test series in England, which begins on June 20.
