Rohit Sharma’s Retirement: A Tribute from Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly, the celebrated former captain of India, has expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma, stating that he always believed Rohit would become a remarkable leader for the Indian cricket team. Recently, Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket as he prepares for the upcoming tour of England.
This decision concludes a significant 12-year journey in Tests, with Rohit’s last match being against Australia in December 2024. Ganguly commented on Rohit’s retirement, highlighting how the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recognized his leadership abilities and supported him when he was made captain in 2022.
"He is an outstanding player for India, but every athlete knows when it’s time to step back. I wish him all the best. He had a wonderful career and will continue to play One Day Internationals and in the IPL. When I was with the BCCI, we believed he would be a great captain. Under his leadership, we won the World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and had success in Test cricket," Ganguly shared.
Rohit became the captain of India’s ODI and T20 teams in 2021, and he took over Test captaincy in 2022 after Virat Kohli’s departure. During his tenure, he led the team in 24 Test matches, winning 12, losing nine, and drawing three. Notably, he achieved remarkable victories against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2023 and against England in 2024.
Rohit is only the second captain after MS Dhoni to draw a Test series in South Africa during the 2023-24 season. Throughout his Test career, he amassed 4,301 runs in 67 matches, with an impressive average of 40.57 and a strike rate of 57.05. Rohit achieved 12 centuries, all contributing to India’s victories, and also hit 88 sixes—the second-most by an Indian in Test cricket, just behind Virender Sehwag.
As he steps away from Test cricket, Rohit Sharma leaves behind a legacy of leadership and achievement that will be remembered for years to come.
