Rohit Sharma forced to retire to avoid humiliation?

Indian cricketing circles are abuzz with controversy following World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma's abrupt retirement from Test cricket. The 38-year-old opener and captain announced his decision on 7 May 2025, in a very unorthodox manner with an Instagram story.

While in the statement, Sharma thanked fans, teammates, and the board for their support over the years, he refrained from offering any explicit explanation for the timing of his exit.

The decision, coming just weeks before India’s home Test series against England, has fuelled widespread speculation and stirred anger among fans.

Many believe Sharma was under pressure from the BCCI, which was reportedly considering relieving him of captaincy due to his dip in form. While the board has remained tight-lipped, sources close to the selection committee hinted that conversations around a leadership transition had already begun.

Declining Form and Mounting Pressure

Sharma's recent performances in red-ball cricket have been underwhelming. Over the past year, he averaged just 10.93 in Test matches, scoring only one half-century in his last 15 innings.

During the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia earlier in 2025, Sharma managed a paltry 31 runs across five innings, sparking concerns about his ability to anchor the top order, with the decline being sharp and visible.

These performances reportedly prompted the selectors to deliberate over alternative options for captaincy, especially with a packed Test calendar ahead. While Sharma maintained a dignified silence, cricketing insiders suggest that he opted to retire before the decision could be taken out of his hands, thereby avoiding what could have been an unceremonious axing.

Fan Discontent and Farewell Match Controversy

The manner of Sharma's departure has caused significant dismay among fans and former players alike.

Many expressed outrage on social media, questioning why a player of his stature wasn’t given a proper farewell match. "This isn’t how you treat a modern-day great," wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). Hashtags such as #JusticeForRohit and #RohitDeservedBetter trended for hours after the announcement.

Many were of the opinion that India had "missed an opportunity to honour a legend of Indian cricket." Others also speculated that the lack of a farewell gesture was a consequence of internal politics or a lack of consensus within the BCCI.

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A Test Career with Many Highs

Despite the recent downturn, Sharma’s overall Test record remains respectable. In a 67-match career, he amassed 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57. His tally includes 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. He made a memorable debut in 2013, scoring 177 against the West Indies in Kolkata, and followed it with an unbeaten 111 in his second outing. These early successes quickly cemented his place in India’s middle order.

Later in his career, Sharma reinvented himself as an opener, bringing a new dimension to India’s top order. As Test captain, he led India in 24 matches, winning 12, losing 9, and drawing 3. His leadership saw India maintain dominance at home and remain competitive abroad, though he never clinched an ICC Test trophy.

What Lies Ahead for Team India?

With Sharma stepping away, attention now turns to the question of succession. Shubman Gill, who has shown remarkable consistency in all formats, is being touted as a likely successor.

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 KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah are also seen as potential contenders for the role. The BCCI has yet to make an official announcement, but the leadership void will need to be filled urgently, with England’s tour just weeks away.