Ex-BCCI Official Slams Rohit’s Retirement Narrative, Questions Selectors’ Silence

Rohit’s shock exit from the longest format triggers internal debate, with a former board member accusing selectors of letting speculation grow despite knowing his decision post-Champions Trophy.

New Delhi, May 8, 2025 — Rohit Sharma has officially retired from Test cricket, ending days of speculation and uncertainty. But his announcement hasn’t silenced critics—it’s amplified them. A former senior BCCI official has blasted the narrative surrounding Rohit’s retirement, questioning the selection committee’s handling of the situation and whether the media speculation was allowed to fester deliberately.

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“Rohit had made up his mind after India’s Champions Trophy win in March,” said a source close to the veteran opener. “He wanted to exit Test cricket on his terms before the new World Test Championship cycle began.”

Also Read: Rohit Sharma Bids Farewell to Test Cricket with Immediate Effect

The 38-year-old, who will continue to captain India in ODIs, made the announcement via Instagram, calling it an “absolute honour” to represent India in whites. The BCCI confirmed his decision and praised the opener’s contribution, posting on X, “Thank you, Captain. End of an era in whites!”

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However, the backstory to his retirement reveals deeper tensions. Sources claim the selection committee failed to clarify Rohit’s future in the upcoming England Test series, with some insiders hinting that selectors were undecided on picking him at all.

“If he was already planning to retire, what’s this talk of dropping him?” questioned the former BCCI official. “Why let this drag on?”

Rohit finishes his Test career with 4,301 runs in 67 matches, including 12 centuries, at an average of 40.57. His leadership led India to the World Test Championship final in 2023 and a historic ODI World Cup final the same year—though both ended in losses to Australia.

His exit creates a vacuum in leadership, with Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant among potential successors. Bumrah, the best player on current form, suffers from recurring back injuries, while Rahul offers experience and current form. Gill, just 25, is seen by some as the next big commercial face of Indian cricket. Pant remains a wildcard due to questions around his post-injury form and equation with head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Speculation about friction between Rohit and Gambhir has surfaced in recent months, with Gambhir previously promising to “end the star culture” in Indian cricket. Though both denied any rift, insiders suggest the atmosphere had become tense.

As India gears up for a high-stakes five-match Test series in England from June 20, all eyes are now on who inherits the leadership mantle and whether Rohit’s departure marks a changing of the guard not just in format—but philosophy.

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