Virender Sehwag exposes behind-the-scenes drama over Rohit Sharma’s sudden Test retirement

Virender Sehwag has shared his thoughts on Rohit Sharma’s sudden retirement from Test cricket, calling it a smart and positive move made at the right time. Virender Sehwag believes that something major likely happened behind the scenes that led Rohit Sharma to take this decision.

The former Indian opener believes that Rohit must have had a conversation with the national selectors where he must have gotten the hint that the seasoned opener is no longer part of their Test plans, be it as captain or as a player for the upcoming England tour.

Sehwag feels the selectors likely had a conversation with Rohit about the future plans, and instead of waiting to be dropped or sidelined, the Hitman decided to step away on his own terms, which highlighted a clear understanding between the player and the selectors.

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Virender Sehwag hails Rohit Sharma for choosing dignity over drama

Praising Rohit, the former Indian opener called the Indian skipper’s move “amazing,” as there were a lot of talks about how he was preparing for the upcoming five-match Test series in England, and even when he was in India during the Australia tour, he had quashed the rumors of Test retirement.

Virender Sehwag said on Cricbuzz, “What happened is probably this: when the selectors made their decision, maybe they thought, ‘We won’t announce Rohit Sharma as the Test captain,’ or perhaps, ‘We won’t even take him as a player’ for the England tour.

I’m sure the selectors would have spoken to him, told him what they were thinking, and then offered him some options. That’s why, before the team was announced, before anything else was made public, Rohit announced his retirement. That’s a good sign.”

‘Who wouldn’t miss a player like Rohit Sharma?’

Meanwhile, Virender Sehwag praised Rohit for his incredible contribution to Indian cricket across all three formats of the game. The cricket expert said that fans always loved watching Rohit bat and enjoyed the entertainment he brought to the game.

However, Sehwag felt Rohit could have played more and even reached the 100-Test mark, but he respected the right-handed batter’s decision and said that his career was nothing short of brilliant. Sehwag further noted, “Who wouldn’t miss a player like him? Whether it’s Test cricket, ODI cricket, or T20 cricket, he always provided full entertainment.”

He signed off by saying, “Fans enjoyed watching his batting, and the records he’s made are outstanding. Yes, there’s always that feeling—he could have played a bit longer. He could have reached 100 Test matches, and only a few elite players have achieved that milestone. But he’s made his decision, and that’s fine. His career has been absolutely brilliant.”

Rohit Sharma’s Test feats

Notably, Rohit began his Test journey in 2013 with back-to-back centuries against the West Indies at Eden Gardens. He ended his career as India’s 16th-highest run-scorer in the format.

As captain, Rohit led India in 24 Tests, including the World Test Championship Final in 2023. Rohit has been brilliant as captain, but his recent form with the bat was just dismal. His last Test appearance came against Australia at the MCG in 2024.