Rohit Sharma has called time on his Test career. The 38-year-old made the announcement in the middle of the ongoing IPL season.
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He confirmed that he will no longer play in the longest format of the game. As the news spread -- tributes poured in from across the cricket world, with India head coach Gautam Gambhir leading the way.
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He has come a long way from his days as a middle-order batsmen to have transformed into one of the finest openers in world cricket. But beyond the numbers and milestones -- it is Rohit’s leadership that have earned him admiration from teammates and fans.
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Gautam Gambhir pays tribute to Rohit Sharma after Test retirement
Among the first to react to Rohit’s retirement was India’s current head coach, Gautam Gambhir. The former opener once shared the dressing room with Rohit.
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He posted a brief but powerful message on social media.
“A master, a leader & a gem! #RohitSharma” – Gautam Gambhir on X
A master, a leader & a gem! #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/C6RgU6P18n
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 7, 2025
Gambhir’s words reflect the deep respect and admiration he holds for the outgoing Test captain. While Gambhir retired in 2018, the two reunited in a different capacity last year -- with Rohit leading the team and Gambhir returning as coach.
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Rohit retires with 4301 runs from 67 Tests, including 12 centuries. His final Test was against Australia in Melbourne last year -- a match India lost by 184 runs.
He didn’t play in the last Test of that series -- having stepped aside due to a dip in form. Jasprit Bumrah took over the captaincy for that match in Sydney.