Rohit Sharma’s unexpected retirement from Test cricket in May this year left fans and former players alike stunned. Known for his elegant strokeplay and tactical mind, Rohit had grown into one of India’s most reliable white-ball players—and a dependable Test opener in recent years. Yet, his quiet exit from red-ball cricket ahead of the England series sparked questions. Why no farewell match? Why so soon?
While his 2024/25 Test season was far from his best, many believed Rohit still had more to offer. And now, former India selector Jatin Paranjpe has shed new light on Rohit’s mindset when it came to the longest format.
‘How Can You Say That?’ – Rohit’s Red-Ball Passion
Speaking on the A Century of Stories podcast, Paranjpe recalled a candid moment with Rohit during his earlier years—when the batter wasn’t part of India’s Test XI. It was then that Paranjpe posed a question that struck a nerve.
“I remember he was not playing Test cricket for India. And we had this conversation, and he said, ‘I started playing cricket with a red ball, Jatin. How can you say that I am not interested in Test cricket?’ I got the message, and I was hoping that that was what he would say,” Paranjpe shared.
Rohit, clearly taken aback, felt the need to clarify his passion for Test cricket. When asked if the Indian captain was offended, Paranjpe didn’t hesitate.
“Yeah, yeah. The perspective he gave me made me sit up and think. His point of view was that ‘I’ve grown up playing with the red ball, how can I be far away from it?’ That’s, again, his unique perspective.”
From Struggles to Redemption in Tests
Rohit’s path in Test cricket wasn’t easy. Injuries, inconsistency, and intense competition meant that for years, he struggled to cement his place in the red-ball setup. But everything changed in 2019 when Ravi Shastri, then head coach, pushed for a bold move—promoting Rohit to open the batting in Tests.
“That’s the big moment. I remember I was part of the selection committee at that time. That was Ravi Shastri’s idea. Superb thinker. Ravi is 3–4 steps ahead of everybody when it comes to reading the game,” Paranjpe noted.
The result was a Test renaissance for Rohit, who became one of India’s most composed and successful openers at home and abroad.
Rohit’s Present and Future with Team India
Though Rohit has closed the door on red-ball cricket, he remains active as India’s ODI captain. His next appearance is set for October, when India tours Australia for a three-match ODI series.
As for the Test format—while his numbers may not mirror his white-ball dominance, Rohit’s emotional connection to red-ball cricket is undeniable. And for fans who questioned his passion, Paranjpe’s story offers a firm reminder: Rohit never took the longest format lightly.
Catch every update on Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on The Cricket Scores!