Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has wished Rohit Sharma well as he steps into the next chapter of his life.
Rohit’s journey in Test cricket spanned nearly a decade, from debut to farewell. But for Tendulkar, the memory of handing Rohit his Test cap still feels fresh. As Rohit bids farewell to the longest format of the game, the cricket icon fondly recalls the moments they shared together.
On Wednesday, Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket by sharing a picture of his Test cap on Instagram, accompanied by a short message. With that, his 11-year-long journey in Test whites came to an end.
The news of Rohit stepping away from red-ball cricket came as a surprise to many. Tributes and good wishes poured in, including a heartfelt message from Tendulkar on X (formerly Twitter).
“I remember handing you your Test cap at Eden Gardens in 2013 and then standing with you on the balcony of the Wankhede Stadium on another day – what a journey it has been.
Since then, you’ve given your all to Indian cricket, both as a player and captain. Congratulations on a wonderful Test career, Rohit, and best wishes for the road ahead.”
Rohit made his Test debut in November 2013 against the West Indies, becoming India’s 280th Test cricketer. In that Kolkata match, he scored a brilliant 177 and was named Player of the Match as India won by an innings and 51 runs.
That game also happened to be Tendulkar’s 199th Test. Rohit’s second Test match was the Little Master’s farewell – his 200th and final game in international cricket. Tendulkar scored 74 in his last innings, while Rohit remained unbeaten on 111. India won that match by an innings and 126 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Rohit began his Test career in the middle order but reshaped his legacy as an opener from 2019. In his first outing at the top of the order, he scored centuries in both innings against South Africa. Across the two innings, he struck 13 sixes – setting a world record for most sixes in a single Test match. In the next match, he notched up his maiden double century.
Rohit played 67 Tests in total, amassing 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57 and a strike rate of 57.05. He recorded 12 centuries and 18 fifties. As captain, he led India in 24 Tests, winning 12, losing 9, and drawing 3.
