Wed May 07 16:37:59 UTC 2025: ## Rohit Sharma Retires from Test Cricket Amidst Captaincy Change

**London, UK –** Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from Test cricket, effective immediately. The decision comes just days before India’s five-match Test series against England, which marks the start of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Sharma, who until Wednesday held the captaincy for both Test and ODI formats, was expected to lead the team in England. However, sources indicate he was to be removed as Test captain before his retirement announcement.

While Sharma’s retirement was announced by the player himself, reports suggest his recent poor batting performance in Test matches played a role in the selectors’ decision to replace him as captain. The selectors, according to sources, are looking to build a team for the future of the WTC cycle. Shubman Gill is a frontrunner to take over the Test captaincy.

The impending changes extend beyond the captaincy. Former India chief selector MSK Prasad advocated for the inclusion of Arshdeep Singh, Sai Sudharsan, and Kuldeep Yadav in the squad, citing their form and suitability for English conditions. He also suggested Prasidh Krishna as a preferred pace option over Akash Deep, and highlighted Washington Sundar’s value as a spin-bowling all-rounder alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep. Prasad believes Sudharsan’s inclusion is particularly crucial given the start of the new WTC cycle and suggested that Rohit, if selected, could open the batting alongside Yashaswi Jaiswal, with Sudharsan providing backup. A potential batting order also includes Shubman Gill at three, Virat Kohli at four, Rishabh Pant as wicket-keeper, and KL Rahul in the middle order.

The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will announce the final squad mid-May. While Sharma’s retirement ends his Test career, he will continue to captain the ODI team.

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