The former India captain, who retired from the five-day format in May, said the game demands a specific kind of mental resilience. He added that the importance of preparation is something young cricketers learn to understand as they get older.
August 25, 2025: Former India captain Rohit Sharma, who retired from Test cricket earlier this year, opened up about the demands of the five-day format, calling it “mentally very challenging and draining.” The 38-year-old, who averaged 40.58 for his 4301 runs in 67 Tests, spoke at a recent CEAT event about the importance of preparation in a career that demands longevity.
Rohit’s retirement from Test cricket in May 2025 came a year after he had stepped away from T20 Internationals, a format in which he had led India to a World Cup title. In his remarks, he explained how cricketers are conditioned for the long format from a young age through First-Class and club cricket.
“It is something that you prepare for because the game demands longevity,” he said. “Especially in the Test format, you have to last for five days. Mentally, it is very challenging and it is draining as well.”
He also emphasized that the significance of proper preparation is something young cricketers learn over time. “When you are very young, you don’t understand the importance of preparation. But as you go along, you understand, it gives you a kind of discipline that the game asks for,” he added.
Rohit, who is still active in the ODI format, concluded by highlighting that a focus on preparation is what helps players respond to difficult situations in front of them.