Shubman Gill Thanks Rohit Sharma After Test Exit

India’s promising young opener and ODI vice-captain, Shubman Gill, has paid an emotional tribute to Rohit Sharma following the latter’s retirement from Test cricket. Rohit Sharma, who has led India with distinction in the longest format, announced his retirement on Wednesday, bringing down the curtains on a remarkable Test career just weeks before India’s tour of England, their first challenge in the 2025–2027 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Shubman Gill, considered by many as a potential future Test captain, expressed deep gratitude and admiration for Rohit in a touching social media post. At just 25, Shubman Gill has already established himself as a mainstay in the Indian setup across formats and has been Rohit’s close teammate during many high-stakes games.

“India will always cherish your contributions in Test cricket, both as a player and a captain,” Gill shared in an Instagram story. “You’ve truly been a source of inspiration—not just to me, but to everyone who has shared the field with you, whether as a teammate or an opponent. The lessons I’ve learned from you will stay with me for life.”

Gill’s tribute reflects the deep respect and affection many of Rohit’s teammates have for him—not just for his immense skill and achievements, but also for his leadership, humility, and cricketing acumen. Having played under Rohit in all three formats, Gill has often been seen as someone who has matured quickly in international cricket, and his close proximity to Rohit has evidently left a lasting impact.

“Wishing a happy retirement to @rohitsharma45 — truly one of the finest captains I’ve had the privilege to play under. Grateful for everything, Cap!” Gill concluded, using a heartfelt nickname that highlights the deep bond they share.

Rohit Sharma’s journey in Test cricket has been truly remarkable. After making his debut in 2013, he went through a period of inconsistency before reinventing himself as a Test opener in 2019. His performances at the top of the order, especially during the 2021-22 tour of England and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, earned him praise from legends and fans alike. Under his leadership, India continued to be a formidable force at home and a competitive unit overseas.

Though his Test retirement marks the end of an era, Rohit is expected to continue playing in white-ball formats, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup on the horizon. His decision to step away from the red-ball game will likely create space for the next generation of leaders in Indian Test cricket—a role that Gill, by all accounts, is being groomed to step into.

Shubman Gill’s emotional message isn’t just a farewell to a teammate—it is a signal of the torch being passed. As Indian cricket enters a transitional phase, the influence of players like Rohit Sharma on young leaders like Shubman Gill could prove to be pivotal.

In a team brimming with talent, the values and insights passed down from seasoned players like Rohit will shape the mentality and performance of the squad in the coming years. And for Shubman Gill, these “lessons remembered forever” might one day guide him when he walks out to lead India in a Test match as captain.