Coach clears Rohit Sharma’s retirement reason
Rohit Sharma’s coach clarified that his Test exit was a thoughtful move aimed at India’s future, not a result of poor form.
Rohit Sharma’s sudden decision to retire from Test cricket, announced via Instagram just hours after reports emerged about a potential change in captaincy, has sparked widespread discussion. However, his childhood coach Dinesh Lad dismissed any speculation that the decision was rushed or made due to poor form.
Speaking to PTI, Lad explained that the 38-year-old batter has always aimed for big ICC titles and that the Test retirement was a strategic decision in line with his long-term goals. The announcement came just ahead of India’s five-match Test series in England, with the selectors expected to name a new captain soon.
“He didn’t take the decision in a hurry. It’s not that he retired because of his form… He must have thought carefully about what was best for him. This decision has nothing to do with the upcoming tour of England. The main thought would have been to give the next generation a chance,” Lad told PTI.
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In the 2024–25 Test season, Rohit managed just 186 runs across eight matches and struggled in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Still, Lad emphasized that the focus was on giving youngsters an opportunity and preparing for future challenges.
“His target was the World Test Championship, but unfortunately we didn’t qualify. Now, it’s the 2027 World Cup. I also want him to win the 2027 World Cup and then retire,” Lad added.
After India’s tour of Australia, Rohit played just one first-class match but continued to express his commitment to red-ball cricket. Sources, however, suggested that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee had already decided to move on from his Test captaincy role.
The BCCI has confirmed that Rohit will continue playing ODI cricket. He now aims to win the 2027 World Cup and complete a unique treble of ICC titles, similar to what MS Dhoni achieved. In Tests, Rohit ends his career with 4,301 runs and 12 centuries, as India prepares for a new chapter under fresh leadership.
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Last Updated on May 8, 2025
