Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket via an Instagram story on May 7. The 38-year-old finished with 67 Tests, amassing 4301 runs at an average of 40.58. He registered 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries in his commendable Test career.
Rohit had dropped himself from the squad for the final Test in the Border-Gavaskar series earlier this year after going through a prolonged lean patch. After the Nagpur-born announced his retirement from red-ball cricket ahead of the all-important five-match Test tour of England, some speculated that external pressure influenced his decision.
The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) vice-president Rajeev Shukla, however, confirmed that it was a completely personal call from Rohit, and that the board has a policy where it doesn’t interfere in such decisions.
“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 was quoted as saying by India Today.
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Shukla was effusive in his praise for Rohit’s batting acumen and mentioned that the fact that he will continue to play in the ODI format will help other players feed off his experience.
“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,” Shukla said.
Selectors will decide the new Test captain: Shukla
There have been various speculations regarding India’s next Test captain. However, Shukla said that instead of speculating, everyone should wait for the final decision, which he confirmed will be taken by the selectors.
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“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 stated.
