Rohit Announces Test Retirement Before England Series

MUMBAI: Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma addressed the media on Tuesday for the first time since his unexpected retirement announcement from Test cricket, acknowledging the mental toll exerted by the game’s lengthiest format.

During a local gathering in Mumbai, Sharma conveyed that the prolonged demands of Test cricket had become overwhelming, implying that mental exhaustion influenced his choice to withdraw from this format.

“Test cricket necessitates endurance. You have to persevere for five days. It’s extremely demanding and mentally taxing,” Sharma stated.

The 38-year-old fondly recalled how Mumbai’s cricket environment aided his preparation for the challenges of red-ball cricket.

“In Mumbai, even local matches extend over two or three days. It’s ingrained in us. This upbringing equips you from an early stage to handle long-duration cricket and react effectively in difficult scenarios,” he elaborated.

Notably, Sharma declared his immediate retirement from Test cricket in May of this year.

Sharma’s choice came shortly after reports surfaced about his potential removal from the Test captaincy. These reports also suggested that the top-order batsman was expected to maintain his position for the team’s forthcoming tour of England next month.

Throughout his Test career, Sharma represented India, amassing 4301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries.

He also guided India to the World Test Championship (WTC) final. However, a challenging defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) the previous year cast doubt on his Test future, particularly as he struggled with the bat during the five-match series, scoring only 31 runs in five innings.