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Rohit Sharma, before he took the decision to quit Test cricket, had expressed a desire to captain at least two Tests in England before making a decision about his future in red-ball cricket, top BCCI sources told CricBlogger on Tuesday. According to the sources, Rohit was keen to be part of the team for the tour of England tour and had no intention of stepping away from Test cricket.
However, the selectors informed him that he no longer figured in their plans for the format. In response, Rohit offered to lead the side for two Tests before taking a call on his future but the proposal was not aligned with the team’s long-term vision. Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir is also believed to have played a role in the decision.
With no option left, Rohit had to announce his retirement from Test cricket. “The narrative for the new World Test Championship cycle is already set, and Rohit doesn’t feature in those plans. He was informed about it, and only then did he take the call to step away,” a senior BCCI official told CricBlogger.
At the moment, Rohit’s retirement has been largely overshadowed by the bigger shock — Virat Kohli stepping away from Test cricket. Speculation continues to swirl around Kohli’s decision, especially since his place in the Test XI was never under a serious threat. Why would a player still at the heart of India’s red-ball plans choose to walk away?
At least with Rohit, the story is loud and clear. He was told he no longer fit into the team’s vision for the future, and he chose to walk away with his head held high. In contrast, Kohli’s exit remains wrapped in silence, raising more questions than answers.
