Indian captain Rohit Sharma retires from Test cricket

India men’s cricket captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday, bringing an end to a 12-year red-ball career that included 67 matches, 12 centuries, and a stint as one of India’s most successful Test skippers.

The 38-year-old confirmed the decision via Instagram, writing, “It has been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all of the love and support over the years,” alongside a photo of his Test cap.

Sharma will continue to play one-day internationals and remain India’s ODI captain, having recently led the side to the 2025 Champions Trophy title. He had earlier stepped away from T20 internationals following India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Reports in Indian media earlier this week suggested that Sharma was set to be removed as captain ahead of the summer Test series in England. His decision to retire appears to pre-empt any such move.

Sharma succeeded Virat Kohli as Test captain in 2022 and led India in 24 matches, winning 12—second only to Kohli in terms of win percentage.

He also guided the team to the final of the 2023 World Test Championship, where they lost to Australia.

The right-hander retires with 4,301 runs in Tests at an average of 40.57.

His highest score—212—came against South Africa in Ranchi in 2019. Since his last Test century against England in March 2024, Sharma managed only one half-century in 15 innings.

India begin a five-Test series in England on 20 June in Leeds, marking the start of the new World Test Championship cycle.

Jasprit Bumrah, who deputised for Sharma during previous absences, is considered a leading candidate to take over, although younger players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant could also be in contention.