Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane was left ‘shocked’ after hearing the news of Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement on Wednesday. Rahane and Rohit have played together for long for Mumbai and India.
“I’m actually shocked. I didn’t know that he retired in the Test format. But I just want to wish him the best,” said Rahane during the post-match press conference after a two-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League 2025 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Caught in the middle of his IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders’ must-win match against CSK, Rahane was unaware of Rohit’s retirement from Test cricket on the same day. “Oh, is it? I just want to wish him the best. I thought he has done fantastically well in the Test format. I didn’t know (about the retirement),” he said.
Rahane also lauded Rohit’s evolution as a red-ball cricketer and his aggressive mindset at the top of the order.
“Whatever his plans are, he has done really well, improved his game, as a Test batter. He started his career 5-6 number and then opened the innings,” Rahane said.
“I thought the way he adapted to that opening slot was amazing to see. He always wanted to take on the bowlers, play with freedom. And that’s what he wanted other players to do as well, play with freedom,” he added.
Rohit, 38, announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect on Wednesday, which came a day after the national selectors met and decided to remove him as skipper and go with a new leader for the tour of England that starts next month.
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Rohit had already retired from T20 Internationals after leading India to the World Cup title last year. He will, however, continue to play ODIs.
“Hello, everyone. I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites,” Rohit posted on social media. “Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format.”
(With inputs from PTI)