On one fine August evening, five years back, MS Dhoni announced his international retirement that caught the cricketing world by surprise. “Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired,” is what his social media message read, accompanied by a video of moments from his career. It, as the slang goes, broke the internet. On Wednesday evening, at almost the exact time (give or take a few seconds), Rohit Sharma posted a story on his Instagram account. As of approximately 1929 hrs, he is no longer a Test cricketer for India as he called time on his red-ball career. It was a coincidence that two of India’s greatest captains timed their announcements to almost exactly the same time.
“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,” Rohit said with a photo of the Team India Test cap.
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Rohit’s retirement was perhaps not completely out of the blue as Dhoni’s was. Earlier in the day, reported that the selectors had decided to remove his from Test captaincy ahead of the five-match series coming up in England. “The selectors’ thought process is clear. They want a new leader for the England tour and Rohit doesn’t fit in as a captain, especially considering his red-ball form. They want to groom a young leader for the next Test cycle and the selection committee has informed the BCCI that Rohit won’t lead the team,” a source in the Indian board had informed this newspaper before Rohit announced his decision.
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While Dhoni’s retirement decision caught the attention for the contents of the video and the song that accompanied it, Rohit’s was a bit more abrupt and fairly to the point. Importantly, he made it clear he will continue in ODIs. Shortly after, the board’s social media went a step further and said he will continue to lead in the 50-over format. “Thank you, Captain. End of an era in whites! Rohit Sharma bids adieu to Test cricket. He will continue to lead India in ODIs,” BCCI posted on their social media handles.
