Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma’s ODI deputy, posted a heartfelt note after the latter called time on his Test career on Wednesday. “India is grateful for what you have done in tests as a player and a captain. You’ve been an absolute inspiration to me and everyone that has played with or against you. There are things that I’ve learnt from you that I am going to remember forever,” Gill wrote in an Instagram story.
“Happy retirement to @rohitsharma45 one of the best captains that I’ve played under. Thank you Cap!,” he added.
As reported by on Wednesday, Gill is the front-runner to captain the men’s Test team after incumbent Rohit’s retirement. On a day The Indian Express reported that the selectors had decided to remove as captain because of his poor form in Test cricket, Sharma took to Instagram to announce that he was stepping away from Test cricket.
“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 along with a photo of his Test cap in an Instagram Story.
The Indian Express understands that the senior selection committee headed by former India all rounder Ajit Agarkar is of the opinion that 25-year-old Gill is the ideal candidate to take over as Test captain. However, the selectors will discuss the same with the BCCI before making a formal announcement. If appointed as Test skipper, Gill’s first assignment will be the five-match Test series in England.
Rohit’s retirement announcement came after a wretched tour of Australia earlier this year resulted in a second defeat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
In the last 11 Test innings, Rohit Sharma has an average of 6.63, having managed to score only 73 runs. Rohit’s longest outing was his latest hit in the second innings at MCG in a 340-run chase, facing 40 deliveries for nine runs.
