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Team India’s superstar Rohit Sharma has bid farewell to the longest format of the game. He announced his decision on May 7, 2025, through an emotional Instagram story, sharing a picture of his Test cap with the number “280” — his unique Test player number for India. The 38-year-old Indian captain expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent India in the longest format and confirmed that he would continue playing One Day Internationals (ODIs). As soon as the announcement was made, tributes began pouring in from fans, cricketers, and franchises, all celebrating Rohit’s remarkable journey in red-ball cricket.
Tributes pour in as Rohit Sharma bids adieu to Test cricket
Rohit’s announcement has evoked an emotional response from the cricketing fraternity. Former players, and fans took to social media to shower him with praise, reflecting on his elegant stroke play, calm leadership, and significant contributions to Indian Test cricket. While India gears up for a new era in Tests, Rohit’s legacy will continue to inspire generations. His departure marks the end of a golden chapter, but his presence in ODIs ensures the “Hitman” saga isn’t over yet.
Also READ: Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket
Irfan Pathan applauds Rohit’s England 2021 heroics
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan fondly recalled Rohit’s match-winning contributions during India’s 2021 Test tour of England. He took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote: “Congratulations @ImRo45 on your Test career. 2021 Test series in England will be remembered for your heroics. Go well in your next phase.”
Congratulations on your test career. 2021 test series in England will be remembered for your heroics. Go well in your next phase.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
Parthiv Patel highlights Rohit’s grit and grace
Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel paid tribute to Rohit’s leadership and elegant style, stating: “End of an era!
@ImRo45, your grit, grace, and leadership in Test cricket will always remain a big part of India’s cricket journey. Thank you for the memories, Captain”
End of an era! 🏏 , your grit, grace, and leadership in Test cricket will always remain a big part of India’s cricket journey.
Thank you for the memories, Captain! 🇮🇳
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9)
Here’s how fans reacted:
Thank you, Captain 🫡🫡
End of an era in whites! bids adieu to Test cricket. He will continue to lead India in ODIs.
We are proud of you, Hitman 🫡🫡
— BCCI (@BCCI)
Well played . As player and as captain, you were a joy and India will say a big thank you to you. That century in Chennai, that one at the Oval, both priceless. You walked out against South Africa to open as if you had done it all your life. Will look forward to…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)
Rohit Sharma bids adieu to Test Cricket! Congratulations, Cap , on a wonderful career! 🫡
Thank you for all the memories! 🙌
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets)
Test cricket will be great again. Thanks for your service, Rohit Sharma. Go for WC 2027 now 🫡
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm)
🚨 ROHIT SHARMA RETIRED FROM TEST CRICKET 🚨
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Test cricket bids farewell to a fearless opener, a sharp cricketing mind, and one of the finest captains the game has seen. leaves behind a legacy that will endure. Wishing him the very best for the journey ahead.
— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka)
A story of hardwork,resilience, success,failure and heart break.
You were a beautiful habit in whites,Ro! Thank you for everything.
I wish the end was beautiful but that's how it's always been with you, so good luck for future heRO!
All love always ♥️🫡
— Misty Sinha (@naive_shrewd)
Hoping to see the missing piece of ICC trophies in your hands before you retire from ODIs Rohit Sharma
— Sagar (@sagarcasm)
Happy retirement Rohit Sharma. 💎 ♥️
— Sudhanshu Arora (@sudhanshuxmac)
shocked!!
but happy retirement from tests— Virat Kohli Trends™ (@TrendVirat)
💔
— Ritika Sajdeh™ (@ImRitika45)
A leader who shaped a generation!
Thank you for your stride in whites, Rohit! #19:29 🦁💛— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL)
End of an era! Thank you, Rohit, for the memories in whites.
— ` (@Vivaantweeets)
Thank you, , for your stellar contributions to Indian Test cricket. Your grit, leadership, and memorable performances in whites will forever be etched in our hearts.
Wishing you continued success in ODIs and beyond!— Satish Chandra Dubey (@satishdubeyy)
Thank you Rohit Sharma for your contribution in Test cricket. Finally, ab ladke garden mai ghoom sakte hai.
— Xavier Uncle (@xavierunclelite)
Go well, Rohit! India played memorable cricket under you. Kudos to your batsmanship. May the coming generations be inspired and richer with your craft. Congratulations on a storied test career.
— Shailendra Patil (@Shailendra_P91)
Thank You Rohit Sharma Test se ❤️
Lekin Abhi one day khelega ✍️— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1)
Happy retirement Rohit Sharma, thank you for giving me this moment. ❤️
— Yashvi (@BreatheKohli)
Thank you Rohit Sharma for all the memories in Red Ball Cricket.
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan)
Forever thankful to Virat Kohli who believed in and gave him chance to prove that he's good test opener!
Thank you Rohit Sharma! 🙏
— Ajitdeep (@CHAIHOLIC_)
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