Almost a week after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, Rohit Sharma paid a visit to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his official residence, Varsha, in Mumbai. The warm interaction reflected the widespread respect and admiration India holds for one of its most celebrated cricketers.
Taking to social media, CM Fadnavis shared pictures from the meet, writing: “It was a pleasure to welcome and interact with Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma. I conveyed my best wishes on his retirement from Test cricket and wished him continued success in the next phase of his journey.”
Rohit Sharma, who turned 37 recently, made the announcement of his retirement from the longest format via an emotional post on Instagram. “Hi everyone, I want to share that I’ve decided to retire from Test cricket. Representing India in whites has been an incredible honour. Thank you all for your unwavering love and support over the years. I will continue to play for India in the ODI format,” he wrote.
A Journey of Grit and Reinvention
Rohit’s Test career has been a story of perseverance, transformation, & brilliance. He made his debut in 2013 with a sparkling 177-run knock against West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata—an innings that hinted at the vast potential he possessed. However, inconsistency and injuries plagued his early Test career, and he struggled to find a permanent place in the playing XI, mostly featuring in the middle order.
The turning point came in October 2019, when the team management decided to promote Rohit to the opening slot in Tests. It was a bravy decision that paid off handsomely. In his very first series as an opener, against South Africa, he smashed two centuries and a double century, proving his mettle and silencing critics. From that point, Rohit established himself as a cornerstone of India’s top order in Test cricket, especially in home conditions.
In the latter stages of his Test career, Rohit also took on the responsibility of captaincy, leading India in challenging away series in England and South Africa. Though the team didn’t always secure victories, Rohit’s leadership was marked by maturity and calmness under pressure.
Retirement from T20Is and Tests, But Still Going Strong
Rohit had earlier stepped down from T20 Internationals after guiding India to a historic ICC T20 World Cup win in 2024. With Test and T20I formats now in the rearview mirror, he has decided to channel his focus into ODI cricket, where he continues to be one of the most dependable and explosive openers.
He is expected to play a key role in India’s squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy and other major bilateral ODI series in the run-up to the next 50-over World Cup.
No Downgrade in BCCI Contracts
Despite stepping away from two of the three international formats, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will retain their Grade A+ contracts, as confirmed by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.
“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Grade A+ contracts will continue even after they announce their retirement from T20s and Tests. They are still a part of Indian cricket and will get all the facilities of Grade A+,”.
A downgrade to Grade A would have resulted in a ₹2 crore annual loss for each player, as the retainership drops from ₹7 crore (A+) to ₹5 crore (A). However, given their ongoing contribution and legacy, the BCCI has opted to honor their stature and maintain the top-tier contracts.
Legacy Beyond the Whites
As Rohit Sharma transitions away from Test cricket, the cricketing world reflects on a journey that saw him evolve from a talented, inconsistent middle-order batter to one of the finest openers in the modern era. He ends his Test career with numerous memorable knocks, a stellar home record, and the respect of peers and fans alike.
His meeting with CM Fadnavis was more than a courtesy call—it symbolized the gratitude of a state and a nation for a player who has worn the white jersey with pride and distinction. As Rohit enters this new phase of his career, the fans can still look forward to his trademark pull shots and towering sixes in blue. The whites may be retired, but the Hitman legacy continues.
