May 8, 2025: Indian cricketer and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane was caught off guard when informed of Rohit Sharma’s sudden retirement from Test cricket. Rahane, who is currently leading KKR in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, was preparing for a crucial clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) when the news broke.
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Speaking to the media after the match, a visibly surprised Rahane said, “Oh, is it? I didn’t know. I’m actually shocked. I was playing a game, so I wasn’t aware. But I just want to wish him the best.” He added that he would personally reach out to Rohit after returning to the dressing room, saying, “I’ll probably call him or send him a message. But I definitely want to congratulate him on a fantastic Test career.”
Reflecting on Rohit’s contribution to Indian Test cricket, Rahane praised the former captain’s journey and adaptability. “He started in the middle order at No. 5 or 6 and then opened the innings. The way he adapted was amazing. He always looked to take on bowlers and play with freedom — that’s something he wanted others to do as well,” Rahane said.
Meanwhile, KKR’s campaign in IPL 2025 hit a stumbling block after a narrow loss to CSK, which has further dented their playoff hopes. Despite setting a competitive target, a solid partnership between Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube took the game away from Rahane’s side. “It was really tough to lose. We were 10–15 short; 185–195 would have been ideal on this pitch,” Rahane remarked after the game.
He acknowledged the turning point of the match, saying, “In this format, one over can change the momentum. They took their chances, and it paid off. It’s all about being brave, and they were really brave.”
With KKR now on the brink of elimination, Rahane remains focused on the road ahead. “Try to win two out of two, and then see what happens from there,” he concluded.
While fans digest the surprising end to Rohit Sharma’s illustrious Test journey, his peers like Rahane are left to reflect on the legacy he leaves behind — one marked by elegance, leadership, and fearless cricket.