[WATCH] ‘I’m actually shocked’ – Ajinkya Rahane reacts to Rohit Sharma’s surprising Test retirement

Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma. (Source: IPL)

Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane was surprised when informed of Rohit Sharma’s sudden retirement from Test cricket during the recent post-match press conference following Kolkata Knight Riders’ defeat to Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025. Rahane, currently leading KKR, congratulated his longtime teammate and close friend, wishing him luck for the future

Rohit’s decision to hang up his boots from the longest format of the game came surprisingly on Wednesday evening, just weeks before India’s five-Test tour of England. The 38-year-old announced his retirement via social media.

“Hello everyone, I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” Rohit said.

The Nagpur-born, whose red-ball career began in 2013, retires with 4,301 runs in 67 Tests, averaging 40.57, with 12 centuries and a career-best score of 212 against South Africa. For Rahane, the news came as a surprise. Rahane praised Rohit’s Test career, reflecting his early days batting in the middle order before his promotion to the top.

“I just want to wish him the best. Though he has done fantastically well in the test format. Well, I didn’t know I was actually, I’m actually shocked. I didn’t know that he retired in the test format, but I just want to wish him the best.  Whatever his plans are,  he has done really well, you know.  Improved his game, I thought, as a test batter. He started his career five, six years ago. I thought the way he adapted to that opening slot was amazing to see.  He always wanted to take on the ballers, play with freedom, and that’s what he wanted other players to do as well, play with freedom. So  I just want to wish him the best.  Probably I’ll call him once I go back to the dressing room or send him a message, but I just want to congratulate him on a fantastic test career,” Rahane said.

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The right-hand batter’s decision comes after a tough period in Test cricket. He had a poor run of form in the series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia between late 2024 and early 2025. While India won the Bangladesh series, they were whitewashed by New Zealand and lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 in Australia. Rohit missed parts of the Australian tour due to personal reasons and form concerns.

Despite leading India to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy title earlier this year, the 38-year-old accepted that his future in Tests was uncertain. With India’s tour to England around the corner, the selectors have the challenge of appointing a new captain.

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