From Wankhede To The Oval: Rohit Sharma’s Test Farewell and His Defining Knocks

Image Source: Mykhel

Rohit Sharma's out-of-the-blue Test retirement announcement through Instagram has caused waves in the cricketing community, ending an era of Indian red-ball cricket. The 38-year-old, who took India to the 2023 World Test Championship Final, bids adieu to the longest form of the game with a reputation founded on grit, swagger, and some absolutely career-defining performances.

Key Highlights of Rohit Sharma's Test Journey

Rohit completes his Test career with 4,301 runs in 67 matches at a rate of 40.57, with 12 centuries, 18 half-centuries, and a top score of 212.

His career started with a shining 177 on debut at Eden Gardens in 2013, a knock that defined his red-ball career and one that was played in the farewell series of Sachin Tendulkar.

Since years in the middle order, Rohit's promotion to opener in 2019 changed his Test fortunes, and he became one of the world's most prolific openers at that time.

As skipper, he led India in 25 Tests, where they won 12, lost 9, and drew 3, and took the team to some historic series victories, among them the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and an easy win over England.

Career-Defining Knocks

177 vs West Indies, Eden Gardens, 2013
Rohit's first-innings display was a masterclass in strokeplay and composure, propelling India to a dominant victory and putting him straight into the headlines.

212 vs South Africa, Ranchi, 2019
His first double-century as an opening batsman was against a red-hot South African bowling lineup, solidifying his position at the top and winning him Player of the Series in a 3-0 whitewash.

127 vs England, The Oval, 2021
Perhaps his best away knock, Rohit's century at The Oval was a declaration of intent. Against a first-class English bowling attack on a difficult pitch, his 127 took India in command and eventually won the game-a rare and defining achievement in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) conditions.

161 vs England, Chennai, 2021
On a turning Chepauk pitch, Rohit's freewheeling 161 was a cheat code against spin, reviving the fortunes of India after a defeat in the first match and creating the platform for a series come-back.

120 vs Australia, Nagpur, 2023
On an under-fire, spin-friendly wicket, Rohit's 120 stood supreme as others let him down, demonstrating his domain over home pitches and his potential to steady the innings when times are tough.

Contrasting Home and Away Records

At home, Rohit was a giant-2,535 runs in 34 Tests at an average over 51, with 10 centuries. As an opener, he ruled supreme, particularly in the South Africa series in 2019. Away from home, his stats were modest (1,766 runs in 33 Tests at 30.98), but his centuries in England and Australia demonstrated his resilience and adaptability.

The Farewell That Wasn't

Rohit's retirement announcement through social media, without a farewell on the field, has raised eyebrows among fans and former colleagues. Many, including Manoj Tiwary, believed the Indian administration lost the chance to give one of its contemporary greats a befitting send-off, considering his role as player and captain.

Cricket fraternity's reactions have come flooding in, with legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and current cricketers like Jasprit Bumrah praising Rohit's rise and contribution to Indian cricket.

As Rohit Sharma says goodbye to Test cricket, his legacy is forged in legendary knocks from Wankhede to The Oval-each a testament to his class, flexibility, and big-match temperament. Indian cricket now turns the page, but the memories of Rohit's defining moments in whites will last.

Sources: MyKhel, Hindustan Times, ICC, Tribune India, Moneycontrol, Indian Express