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Rohit Sharma has always been seen as a legend in ODI and T20 cricket. But some critics often questioned his Test career. Now, Rohit has officially retired from Test cricket. Let’s take a full look at how his Test career went.
We can divide Rohit Sharma’s international journey into two parts:
From his debut to 2012.
From 2013 till his retirement (across all formats).
He made his Test debut in November 2013. He started his Test career in style, scoring two back-to-back centuries — 177 and 111 not out against the West Indies. The 111* came at a fast strike rate of 87, which made everyone take notice.
Before he played his first Test, Rohit had already become a successful ODI opener. Between January 2013 and November 2013 :
He scored 1071 runs in 22 innings.
Had an average of 59.5.
Scored 7 half-centuries and 2 centuries.
One of those centuries was a double century, making him only the third Indian to do that in ODIs at that time.
Test cricket is very different from ODIs. So what made MS Dhoni and the selectors believe Rohit could do well in Tests?
In ODIs, Rohit had a strike rate of only 60.38 in the first 10 overs. Out of 573 balls, he left or defended 404 balls – that’s 70.5% dot balls. While Rohit was being careful, Shikhar Dhawan attacked from the other end with a strike rate above 90. This method helped the team maintain the run rate.
This patient approach showed that Rohit had the temperament to survive in Tests, where staying long at the crease is important.
Rohit was known for accelerating at different stages:
Overs 11–20: Strike Rate – 74.49
Overs 21–30: Strike Rate – 98.79
Overs 31–50: Strike Rate – 169.70 — this was just insane!
Even though fast scoring isn’t needed always in Tests, Rohit’s 111* in his debut series came at a quick rate when India’s lower order was collapsing. That skill came in handy.
These two qualities — patience early and explosive hitting when needed — made selectors believe Rohit could do well in Tests.
Rohit’s performances in India were excellent:
Home average: 85.44
But overseas, he struggled a lot:
Away average: 26.32
The difference in averages was too big, and it became a serious concern. Critics questioned his place in the team during overseas tours.
Fortunately, India played just three Tests between his first and second phase. Rohit was:
Dropped in a Test vs Australia
Didn’t tour West Indies, where Hanuma Vihari replaced him and performed well.
Then came a big change: Rohit was promoted as a Test opener in 2019.
Between 2019 and 2023, he had a dream run:
2097 runs in 26 matches at an average of 51.14
6 fifties and 7 centuries, including a double century
He was India’s second-highest run scorer in that period, behind Virat Kohli
But here’s something amazing:
Virat scored 2200 runs in 36 matches / 59 innings
Rohit scored 2097 in just 26 matches / 43 innings
The difference was only 103 runs — this shows how strong Rohit’s peak was, even playing 16 innings lesser than Virat!
Home average: 58.71
Away average: 46.37
In England: Scored well with an average of 52.57, which is tough for openers
Sadly, injuries affected Rohit even during his best form:
Missed the New Zealand Test series (2020) due to a calf strain
Missed the first two Tests of the 2020–21 BGT due to a hamstring issue
Missed the 2021-22 South Africa tour
Missed the rescheduled England Test (2022) due to COVID-19
In 2024, Rohit played:
14 Tests / 26 innings
Scored 619 runs
Average: Only 24.76
Even though he hit 2 fifties and 2 centuries, he often got out for low scores. His place in the team came under doubt after the Bangladesh series (Sept 2024):
Out of 4 innings, he got out for single digits in 3 innings
In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, where India had a lot at stake, Rohit averaged only 6.20. India lost the series, and Rohit faced heavy criticism.
After a few months, he announced his retirement from Test cricket.
Rohit became better by adapting his game for different situations:
On Indian spinning pitches, he used the conventional sweep (especially in the 2021 England home series) and the reverse sweep (in limited overs).
On bouncy pitches abroad, he used his famous pull shot to attack short balls.
On flat or green pitches, he improved his control over straight bat shots, driving through covers and down the ground.
He didn’t just depend on natural talent. He:
Studied the field
Planned his shots
Turned weaknesses into strengths
This adaptability was a big reason for his success in Tests, especially in the later stages.
Rohit Sharma’s Test career had both highs and lows. He had to wait a long time to get his first Test cap. But when he got the chance, he proved his talent. He later became one of India’s most dependable openers, both at home and abroad.
His calmness, intelligence, and unique style helped India many times. Now, as he retires from Tests, he leaves behind great memories. Fans will always remember his journey — not just for his records, but for how he overcame tough times and rose to the top.
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It is always good to explore sensitive topics through multiple sources for a well-rounded understanding.”
© 2025 Thioria
