Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket — who are the leading contenders to take over as India’s next Test captain?
The 37-year-old Rohit Sharma has officially hung up his whites. On Wednesday, the veteran cricketer announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a memorable journey in the longest format of the game. The decision, shared through an Instagram story, leaves him playing only in the ODIs for India.
“Hello, everyone! I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It has been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support through the years. I will continue to represent India in ODI format,” Rohit posted.
Rohit had already stepped away from T20 Internationals after leading India to a triumphant T20 World Cup win in 2024. Rohit’s last appearance in Test cricket came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where India lost the fourth Test. He was subsequently dropped for the fifth and final game as India conceded the series 1-3.
Over his Test career, Rohit scored 4,301 runs in 67 matches, at an average of 40.57. His record includes 12 centuries and 18 fifties. Although he had a slow start to his red-ball career, he flourished in the second half, becoming a reliable pillar in the Indian batting lineup.
However, 2024 was tough. In 15 innings across eight Tests, he averaged just 10.93, his lowest in any season. Ten of those innings ended in single-digit scores.
Still, Rohit’s contributions go beyond numbers. He captained India in the World Test Championship final against Australia and was a steady hand during series against New Zealand and others. He brought a calm maturity to the dressing room and led by example.
Read More: Team India’s schedule in remainder of 2025
Who will be India’s next test captain?
Rohit’s retirement leaves a big question: Who takes over the reins as India’s Test captain? With a five-match series against England coming, selectors are weighing their options.
Shubman Gill
The 25-year-old Shubman Gill has emerged as the front-runner. He already serves as Rohit’s deputy in white-ball formats and has been a consistent performer in all three formats. In Test cricket, Gill has played 32 matches and scored 1,893 runs, including five centuries and seven fifties.
He has experience opening and batting at No 3 and has led the Gujarat Titans in the IPL for two seasons. Teammates have praised his calm leadership, especially in high-pressure moments. With the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel focused on building a long-term leadership group, Gill could be the face of India’s next Test generation.
KL Rahul
At 33, KL Rahul has been a part of the Test setup for nearly a decade, scoring 3,257 runs in 58 matches. He has eight centuries and 17 fifties and has often sacrificed his batting position for the team’s balance.
Rahul also has leadership experience, having captained India in Tests against South Africa and Bangladesh in 2022. His ability to score overseas, especially in England, Australia, and South Africa, adds to his credentials. However, age could be a limiting factor if selectors are looking for a longer-term option.
Read More: Home whitewash at the hands of NZ, first BGT loss in 10 years: Time up for Gautam Gambhir in Tests?
Rishabh Pant
If you are looking for flair, resilience, and match-winning ability, Rishabh Pant is your guy. At 27, the wicketkeeper-batter has been at his prime in Tests and has become a crucial part of India’s Test lineup. He has scored 2,948 runs in 43 matches, with six hundreds and 15 fifties.
Pant is known for pulling off the improbable, like his unforgettable heroics in Australia in 2021. Since returning from injury, he has been one of the few bright spots for India, particularly in the home series against New Zealand. However, his leadership in the IPL has not been as strong. Pant has had a rough 2025 season captaining Lucknow Super Giants, which may give selectors pause.
Jasprit Bumrah
India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, is also in the mix. He led India to their only win in the recent Border-Gavaskar series and has captained in two Tests before. Known for his intelligence and intensity, Bumrah commands respect in the dressing room.
However, Bumrah’s career has been plagued by injuries. He missed the first half of IPL 2025 and the Champions Trophy due to a back issue. With fast bowlers facing higher physical strain, the BCCI is reportedly hesitant to burden him with full-time captaincy duties, especially in a long series like the one against England.
Whoever becomes the next Test captain for India will have big shoes to fill. Rohit Sharma was not just a skilled batter, but a leader who brought stability, especially during turbulent times. His calm presence, tactical clarity, and quiet confidence helped India remain competitive in all formats.
Read More: Boom is back: Jasprit Bumrah’s comeback sparks hope for Mumbai Indians & Team India
