Rohit's Test retirement: A quiet call with loud ripples in Indian cricket

On Tuesday evening, there was a gathering of the who's who of Indian cricket at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) office. BCCI president Roger Binny, secretary Devajit Saikia, and GM Abey Kuruvilla were among those present for the inauguration of the newly dedicated Sachin Tendulkar Room and Sunil Gavaskar Room. Both legends - Gavaskar and Tendulkar - were in attendance for the occasion.

The national selectors, including chairman Ajit Agarkar, were present. Rohit Sharma, however, was not there. The fact that Mumbai Indians were playing a match in the evening explains Rohit's absence. But strangely enough, Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket a day later, catching everyone by surprise, including BCCI officials and his Mumbai Indians teammates.

Rohit is believed to have sent an email to the top brass of the BCCI on Wednesday evening. Around the time his social media post announcing the retirement appeared, chief selector Ajit Agarkar was seen speaking on the phone at the Cricket Club of India (CCI). Whether it was a conversation with Rohit remains speculative, but it is understood that the selectors had no inkling of Rohit's decision.

The decision has put to rest speculation over his availability, or otherwise, for the five-Test series in England in June-July. But it has raised questions about the reason for the sudden move. There are suggestions, even reports, that the selectors were not keen to retain Rohit as captain for the England series.

Although the selectors are believed to have discussed the England series on Tuesday, it is not known if they deliberated on the captaincy at all. It is understood that a decision on Rohit would have been taken a week ahead of the Test squad selection, which is expected to be around the time of the IPL play-offs. (The India A squad, consisting of players who are out of contention for the IPL play-offs, is expected to be announced around May 15).

Cricbuzz had earlier reported that Rohit would decide his Test future based on the outcome of his IPL season. While he did play a couple of brilliant innings, his overall performance did not exactly ignite the tournament. In 11 matches, he scored 300 runs at an average of 30, numbers he wouldn't be too proud of.

Whether it was a personal decision to retire or due to an external nudge will remain unknown. It may be recalled that not too long ago, the contracts of a few members of the Indian team's support staff, believed to be close to Rohit, were not renewed. Days later, he openly praised one of them.

Rohit, though, will continue playing in the ODIs, something he reiterated in the social media post. He will, of course, lead the ODI side. As earlier reported by this website, he will collaborate with close friend Abhishek Nayar on his batting and fitness and is expected to continue till the 2027 World Cup.

Gill favourite to succeed Rohit

With Rohit out of the race, the selectors may pick Shubman Gill for the Test captaincy. Gill has been lauded for the way he has been leading Gujarat Titans this season, and it may have caught the attention of the selectors.

"He's captaining the side really well. One can feel his presence in the dressing room. That's what you look at in a leader. And he's been very good with the youngsters as well. He's passing on his knowledge and spending a lot of time with them. On the ground, he's very proactive. He understands the game sense. It is good to see someone like Shubman getting those runs and also captaining the side really well," GT assistant coach Parthiv Patel said of Gill the leader and the batter after the MI-GT game on Tuesday night.