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On Wednesday, May 7, star India batter and skipper, Rohit Sharma announced retirement from the longest format of the game, Test cricket. While his decision came as a shocking move, he took to his official Instagram account to put curtains to his illustrious Test cricket career. However, some might agree that it doesn’t quite come as a surprise seeing series of dismal performances with his bat over the past few months.
Notably, the 38-year-old took to his Instagram story and announced his retirement with immediate effect, writing, “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. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format.”
He has made his own decision: Rajeev Shukla on Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement
Although, since the veteran’s retirement from the longest format, several have been speculating whether it was a forced decision or it was already on the cards, but recently, the Vice President of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla opened up on the same, while adding that it was his personal decision. The senior board member also added that there was no kind of pressure put on the veteran to take this call.
“As far as Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket is concerned, he has made his own decision. It is our policy that the players who take the decision of retirement - we do not put any pressure on them, nor do we suggest anything, nor do we say anything,” Shukla told PTI.
“The more we praise him, the less it is. He is a great batsman. The good thing is that he has not yet decided to retire from cricket (will play only ODIs). So we will definitely take advantage of his experience and talent,” the BCCI Vice President added.
While Rohit Sharma’s decision came ahead of India’s next red-ball tour, where they are set to take on England in a five-match Test series, starting June 20 in England, the BCCI will have a big task in order to decide who will fill in the shoes for Rohit Sharma, as opener as well as the skipper of the side.
Furthermore, when Rajeev Shukla was inquired of the same, he clarified that the matter lies in the hands of the selectors. “There should not be any speculations. The selectors will decide and tell you who the captain is …. it is solely and purely their call,” he concluded.
