Three months after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, Rohit Sharma has finally shared what made him step away from the longest format. Speaking at a CEAT event, the India captain admitted that the mental and physical demands of Test cricket took a heavy toll on him.
“Test cricket demands longevity. You’ve got to last five days. Mentally, it’s very challenging and draining as well,” Rohit said, hinting that this could have been the true reason behind his decision.
Domestic Cricket Shaped His Resilience
Rohit, who ended his Test career with 4301 runs from 67 matches at an average of 40.58, credited India’s robust domestic system — especially Mumbai’s competitive structure — for preparing him to survive in red-ball cricket.
“In Mumbai, even club matches last two to three days. We’re brought up like that. It teaches you to handle tough situations and the grind of long-format cricket,” he explained.
Preparation as the Cornerstone
Looking back on his journey, Rohit admitted he didn’t value preparation early in his career. “When I started out, it was all about enjoying the game. You don’t really understand the value of preparation. With time, you realise how essential it is — it brings the discipline that Tests demand,” he said.
The 2024 T20 World Cup-winning captain, who also retired from T20Is after lifting the trophy, stressed that preparation was the invisible foundation of every performance.
“Once the game begins, it’s all about reacting — to pressure, to situations, to opposition moves. Preparation ensures you’re ready to respond when it matters most,” he noted.
Mental Freshness and Clarity
Beyond the physical grind, Rohit highlighted the importance of staying mentally sharp in Tests.
“When you want to perform at the highest level, concentration is key. That clarity only comes from preparation — that’s where it all starts,” he said.
Transformation as an Opener
Rohit’s Test career took a decisive turn in 2019 when he was promoted as an opener, a move that revived his red-ball journey and made him one of India’s most dependable batsmen at home. Despite the initial struggles and intermittent chances, he carved out a respected legacy.
A Career Built on Preparation
Now retired from Tests, Rohit joins a rare club of cricketers who have excelled across formats and led India to a World Cup victory. His closing words reflected the mantra that defined his career:
“Whether it’s sport or life, preparation is key.”
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