Rohit Sharma steps down from test cricket before England tour

In May 2025, Rohit Sharma, the captain of the India cricket team, announced his retirement from test cricket just before the team's upcoming tour of England. This announcement came after a season in which Sharma struggled significantly, averaging only 10.93 runs in 11 innings over eight tests. Despite his performance decline, he left his mark on the game with a total of 4,301 runs in 67 test matches at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries. Rohit had taken over the captaincy from Virat Kohli in March 2022 and led the team to a mix of successes and failures, including a notable tally of 12 wins alongside nine losses and three draws during his captaincy. Unfortunately, the end of his captaincy reign was marred by back-to-back series defeats, culminating in a disappointing record 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home and a 4-1 loss to Australia that ultimately knocked India out of the 2025 World Test Championship. The cricket community expressed gratitude for Sharma's leadership and contribution to the team, with statements praising his service to the country. Notably, while focusing on his retirement from test matches, Sharma confirmed his commitment to continue representing India in one-day internationals. The India cricket team is scheduled to open their five-test series against England on June 20, 2025. With Rohit stepping down from the longer format, the cricketing world is now considering who will be the next captain, with Jasprit Bumrah emerging as a noteworthy candidate despite concerns regarding his availability for future test matches. This transition in leadership reflects both a change in dynamics within the team and an opportunity for new leadership as the team gears up for vital upcoming competitions, including preparations for the 2027 World Cup, after a disappointing finish in the previous tournament. As a significant period in Indian cricket comes to a close, fans and analysts alike anticipate how the change in captaincy will impact the future performance of the team in the Test arena.