Introduction: A Farewell to Rohit Sharma’s Test Legacy
Rohit Sharma Test retirement, announced on May 7, 2025, marked the end of an illustrious chapter in Indian cricket. The “Hitman,” known for his elegant strokeplay and calm leadership, bid farewell to the longest format after a remarkable 12-year journey. With over 4,300 runs and 12 centuries, Rohit’s Test career is a testament to his grit and brilliance. As he shifts focus to ODIs and IPL 2025 with Mumbai Indians, fans are left reminiscing about his unforgettable knocks.
This article dives into Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement, spotlighting his top 5 iconic innings that defined his legacy. From his dreamy debut to overseas triumphs, these performances showcase why Rohit remains a fan favorite. Fantasy cricket enthusiasts will also find insights into his IPL 2025 prospects. Which Rohit innings is your favorite? Share in the comments and join us in celebrating his Test journey!
Rohit Sharma’s Test Career: A Journey of Grit and Glory
Rohit Sharma’s Test career began in 2013, but it was his transformation into an opener in 2019 that truly elevated his stature. Over 67 Tests, he amassed 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. His leadership as captain from 2022, with 12 wins in 24 Tests, solidified his impact, though recent struggles against New Zealand and Australia (averaging 10.93 in 2024) prompted his retirement.
From Middle Order to Opener
Initially a middle-order batsman, Rohit faced challenges securing a consistent spot. His shift to opening in 2019 unlocked his potential, with 2,697 runs in 38 matches as an opener, including 9 centuries. His ability to dominate attacks, like his 176 and 127 against South Africa in 2019, set new benchmarks.
Captaincy Era
Taking over from Virat Kohli, Rohit led India to the 2023 World Test Championship final. His 50% win percentage as captain ranks second among Indian skippers, behind Kohli. Despite a tough 2024, his leadership in the 2025 Champions Trophy win highlighted his strategic acumen.
Rohit Sharma Test Stats | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 67 |
Runs Scored | 4,301 |
Batting Average | 40.57 |
Centuries | 12 |
Fifties | 18 |
Sixes | 88 |
Fours | 473 |
Captaincy Record (Wins/Losses) | 12/9 |
Source: ESPNcricinfo
Rohit’s Test highlights pave the way for our deep dive into his best Rohit Sharma Test innings.
Top 5 Iconic Innings to Remember
Rohit Sharma’s Test career is studded with iconic innings that showcase his flair and resilience. Below, we explore his top 5 knocks, each a masterpiece in its own right, with stats and context to relive the magic.
1. 177 vs West Indies, 2013: A Dream Debut
Rohit Sharma’s Test debut at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens was nothing short of spectacular. Playing during Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell series, the 26-year-old walked in at 82/4 and crafted a sublime 177 off 301 balls, including 23 fours and a six. His elegant cover drives and partnerships, notably with Ravichandran Ashwin, helped India post 453, leading to an innings-and-51-run victory.
Commentator Harsha Bhogle called it a “breathtaking debut,” and it set the tone for Rohit’s Test journey. For fantasy cricket players, this knock highlighted his potential as a consistent run-scorer, a trait that carries into IPL 2025.
Innings Stats | Value |
---|---|
Runs | 177 |
Balls Faced | 301 |
Fours/Sixes | 23/1 |
Match Result | India won by an innings and 51 runs |
Source: ESPNcricinfo
2. 212 vs South Africa, 2019: The Double-Century Masterclass
In 2019, Rohit’s transition to opener bore fruit in Ranchi against South Africa. His 212 off 255 balls, laced with 28 fours and 6 sixes, was a display of sheer dominance. Partnering with Ajinkya Rahane, he propelled India to 497, securing a massive victory. This Rohit Sharma iconic innings broke records, with Rohit hitting 13 sixes across the match, a Test record he still holds.
Virat Kohli praised his “fearless approach,” making this knock a fantasy cricket gem for high-scoring openers. Relive the highlights on ICC-cricket.com.
Innings Stats | Value |
---|---|
Runs | 212 |
Balls Faced | 255 |
Fours/Sixes | 28/6 |
Match Result | India won by an innings and 202 runs |
3. 127 vs England, 2021: The Overseas Triumph
Rohit’s 127 off 256 balls at The Oval in 2021 was his first overseas Test century, a milestone in his Rohit Sharma Test career. Facing a disciplined England attack led by James Anderson, he played with composure, forging an 83-run stand with Cheteshwar Pujara. His knock laid the foundation for India’s 157-run victory, a rare overseas triumph.
Sunil Gavaskar lauded his “calm authority,” and fantasy players noted his consistency abroad, a factor for IPL 2025 picks. Check the match report on ESPNcricinfo.
Innings Stats | Value |
---|---|
Runs | 127 |
Balls Faced | 256 |
Fours/Sixes | 14/0 |
Match Result | India won by 157 runs |
4. 161 vs England, 2021: Conquering the Chennai Dustbowl
On a turning Chennai pitch in 2021, Rohit’s 161 off 231 balls against England was a masterclass in spin-playing. With India at 33/3, his sweep shots against Moeen Ali and Jack Leach turned the tide. A 162-run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane helped India post 329, leading to a 317-run win. This Rohit Sharma iconic innings sparked India’s series comeback.
Commentators hailed his adaptability, making this knock a fantasy cricket favorite for spin-friendly tracks. Visit ICC-cricket.com for details.
Innings Stats | Value |
---|---|
Runs | 161 |
Balls Faced | 231 |
Fours/Sixes | 18/2 |
Match Result | India won by 317 runs |
5. 176 vs South Africa, 2019: Setting the Tone as Opener
Rohit’s first Test as an opener in Visakhapatnam, 2019, saw him score 176 off 244 balls against South Africa. His aggressive approach against Kagiso Rabada and a 317-run stand with Mayank Agarwal set up India’s 502/7 declared. This knock, part of his 176 and 127 in the match, cemented his role as an opener.
Kohli called it a “game-changer,” and fantasy players valued his new role’s scoring potential. See the scorecard on ESPNcricinfo.
Innings Stats | Value |
---|---|
Runs | 176 |
Balls Faced | 244 |
Fours/Sixes | 23/6 |
Match Result | India won by 203 runs |
These Rohit Sharma Test highlights showcase his versatility and impact. Which innings inspired you most? Share below!
Rohit Sharma in Fantasy Cricket and IPL 2025 Outlook
Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement shifts his focus to T20s, making IPL 2025 Rohit Sharma a hot topic for fantasy cricket Rohit Sharma enthusiasts. Playing as an impact substitute for Mumbai Indians, Rohit has scored 293 runs in 10 matches, including three half-centuries, despite a slow start (56 runs in 5 games). His recent form, with 234 runs in 5 innings, including a 53 off 36 balls against Rajasthan Royals, signals a return to vintage flair.
Fantasy Cricket Value
Rohit’s opening role and occasional captaincy make him a top pick. His 6,921 IPL runs place him second only to Virat Kohli, and he’s 79 runs shy of 7,000, a milestone he’s likely to achieve in IPL 2025. Fantasy players should prioritize him at Wankhede Stadium, where his strike rate soars. However, his struggles against left-arm pace (e.g., Trent Boult) suggest caution in certain matchups.
IPL 2025 Strategy
Mumbai Indians’ six-match winning streak in IPL 2025, bolstered by Rohit’s form, positions them third in the points table. As a pure batter, often subbed out during fielding, Rohit maximizes his batting impact. For fantasy cricket tips IPL 2025, pair him with Suryakumar Yadav for bonus points in high-scoring games.
IPL 2025 Stats (As of May 7, 2025) | Value |
---|---|
Matches Played | 10 |
Runs Scored | 293 |
Half-Centuries | 3 |
Strike Rate | ~130 |
Milestone Achieved | 6,000 runs for MI |
Source: IPLT20.com
Join a fantasy cricket platform like Dream11 and share your IPL 2025 Rohit Sharma picks in the comments! For more strategies, read our IPL 2025 fantasy cricket guide.
Celebrating Rohit Sharma’s Test Legacy
Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement on May 7, 2025, closes a chapter filled with breathtaking moments. His top 5 iconic innings—from the dreamy 177 on debut to the gritty 127 at The Oval—reflect his artistry and resilience. With 4,301 runs and a record 13 sixes in a Test match, Rohit’s Rohit Sharma Test highlights will inspire generations. As he gears up for IPL 2025 with Mumbai Indians, his T20 prowess and fantasy cricket appeal remain unmatched.
This tribute to the “Hitman” celebrates his Test journey and looks forward to his ODI and IPL exploits. What’s your favorite Rohit Sharma iconic innings? Comment below and follow IPL Star for the latest IPL 2025 updates. Share this article to honor Rohit’s legacy!
Career Milestones | Details |
---|---|
Test Debut | 177 vs West Indies, 2013 |
Most Sixes in a Test | 13 (vs South Africa, 2019) |
IPL Milestone | 6,000 runs for Mumbai Indians |
Retirement Date | May 7, 2025 |
FAQs for Rohit Sharma’s Test Retirement: 5 Unforgettable Iconic Innings to Celebrate
1. When Did Rohit Sharma Announce His Test Retirement?
Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement was announced on May 7, 2025, marking the end of his 12-year Test career. This Rohit Sharma retirement news followed a challenging 2024 season, prompting his shift to ODIs and IPL 2025 Rohit Sharma preparations with Mumbai Indians.
2. What Are the Top 5 Iconic Innings in Rohit Sharma’s Test Career?
The best Rohit Sharma Test innings include his 177 vs West Indies (2013), 212 vs South Africa (2019), 127 vs England (2021), 161 vs England (2021), and 176 vs South Africa (2019). These Rohit Sharma iconic innings showcase his elegance and match-winning ability, detailed in our article.
3. How Many Runs Did Rohit Sharma Score in His Test Career?
According to Rohit Sharma Test stats, he scored 4,301 runs in 67 Tests at an average of 40.57, with 12 centuries and 18 fifties. His Rohit Sharma Test career highlights his transformation into a prolific opener, especially after 2019.
4. Why Did Rohit Sharma Retire from Test Cricket?
Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement in 2025 followed a dip in form, averaging 10.93 in 2024 against New Zealand and Australia. The decision allows him to focus on ODIs and IPL 2025 Rohit Sharma, where he continues to shine for Mumbai Indians.
5. How Did Rohit Sharma Perform as India’s Test Captain?
In his Rohit Sharma Test career, he captained India in 24 Tests, securing 12 wins (50% win rate), second only to Virat Kohli among Indian skippers. His leadership, despite recent struggles, adds to the legacy of Rohit Sharma Test retirement.
6. What Makes Rohit Sharma’s 127 vs England in 2021 Special?
Rohit’s 127 vs England at The Oval (2021), one of his Rohit Sharma iconic innings, was his first overseas Test century. This knock, pivotal in India’s 157-run victory, is a standout in Rohit Sharma Test highlights for its composure against a strong attack.
7. How Does Rohit Sharma’s Test Retirement Impact His IPL 2025 Role?
Post-Rohit Sharma Test retirement, his focus on T20s boosts his IPL 2025 Rohit Sharma prospects. As an impact substitute for Mumbai Indians, his 293 runs in 10 matches make him a top pick for fantasy cricket Rohit Sharma players.
8. What Are the Best Fantasy Cricket Tips for Rohit Sharma in IPL 2025?
For fantasy cricket tips IPL 2025, select fantasy cricket Rohit Sharma at Wankhede Stadium, where his strike rate excels. Pair him with Suryakumar Yadav for bonus points, but be cautious against left-arm pacers like Trent Boult.
9. Which Innings Highlight Rohit Sharma’s Role as a Test Opener?
Rohit’s 176 vs South Africa (2019) in Visakhapatnam, his first Test as an opener, is among the best Rohit Sharma Test innings. This Rohit Sharma iconic innings set the tone for his successful opener stint, scoring 2,697 runs in 38 matches.
10. Where Can I Find More Rohit Sharma Test Highlights?
Explore Rohit Sharma Test highlights on ESPNcricinfo or ICC-cricket.com. For IPL updates, check IPL Star’s IPL 2025 fantasy guide and share your favorite Rohit Sharma iconic innings in our comments!