Rohit Sharma reflects on Test cricket journey
India captain Rohit Sharma admitted that the longest format of the game was both mentally and physically exhausting as he recalled his Test cricket journey.
India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma recently shared his thoughts on the demands of red-ball cricket after announcing his retirement from the format earlier this year. The 38-year-old, who featured in 67 Tests and scored 4,301 runs, described Test cricket as the ultimate test of mental and physical endurance.
Rohit, who led India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, said the format required unmatched mental strength. “It is something that you prepare for, because the game demands longevity. Especially in the Test format, you have to last for five days. Mentally, it is very challenging and it is draining as well. But all cricketers have been brought up playing First-Class cricket,” Rohit said at an event as quoted by PTI.
The Indian opener credited his upbringing in Mumbai cricket for shaping his ability to handle pressure in the longest format. “When we start playing cricket at a competitive level, even in Mumbai, club cricket (matches) go on for two days (or) three days so we are built like that and it starts at a very young age for us. It kind of makes it a little easier how to respond to situations that are there in front of you,” he explained.
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Speaking further on the importance of focus, Rohit highlighted preparation as the key to sustaining performance in Tests. “It takes a lot when you’re playing the longest format and concentration is something that is the key, because you are speaking about high level performance and when you are expecting to put in high level performance, it starts with being mentally fresh all the time. A lot of work starts behind the scenes. Like I said, in preparation. I have to go back again to that because that is where it all starts. You prepare yourself to sustain for the longer period of time on the field,” he added.
Rohit finished his Test career with a solid record of 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries at an average of 40.57. He last appeared in the 2024-25 Test series against Australia, stepping aside before the final match due to poor form, before officially retiring a few months later.
The India captain has also stepped away from T20Is after leading his side to the 2024 T20 World Cup title. Currently, he is on a break from cricket following Mumbai Indians’ early exit in IPL 2025.
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Last Updated on August 26, 2025
