Early Days and Test Debut
Rohit Sharma made his much-anticipated Test debut on November 6, 2013, against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. He announced his arrival in red-ball cricket with an unforgettable 177-run innings — the second-highest by an Indian on Test debut. This inning not only won him the Player of the Match award but also marked the beginning of an elegant and impactful Test career.
Test Career Overview: Matches, Runs, and Records
Over the course of 67 Test matches, Rohit Sharma scored a total of 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57. His career included:
- 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries
- A highest score of 212 (vs South Africa, Ranchi, 2019)
- 68 catches as a reliable fielder
- 2 wickets as a part-time bowler
These achievements made him one of the most consistent Indian batsmen in the modern era, especially after being promoted as a Test opener in 2019 [1].
Breakthrough Series: South Africa 2019
One of Rohit’s most iconic Test series came in October 2019, when India hosted South Africa. As a newly appointed opener, Rohit scored 529 runs in just 3 Tests, including three centuries. He was named Player of the Series, and his score of 212 in Ranchi became his career-best. This series also marked the highest run aggregate by an Indian in a bilateral Test series against South Africa [2].
Overseas Success: The Oval Century
In September 2021, Rohit silenced critics who questioned his overseas performance by scoring a brilliant 127 at The Oval in England. This was his first Test century outside India, and it played a crucial role in India’s famous Test win. It also showcased his growth and adaptability as a top-order batsman [3].
Test Captaincy and Leadership
Rohit was appointed India’s full-time Test captain in February 2022, becoming the 35th to hold the role. As captain, he led the side in 24 Test matches, securing 12 wins. His calm yet authoritative leadership was evident during home series and major overseas tours. He captained India in the World Test Championship Finals in both 2021 and 2023, where India finished runners-up [4].
Notable Test Performances
- 177 vs West Indies (2013, Debut) – Announced his arrival in Test cricket with a near double-ton.
- 212 vs South Africa (2019, Ranchi) – His first and only Test double century.
- 127 vs England (2021, The Oval) – His finest overseas innings, helping secure a historic win.
- 120 vs Australia (2023, Nagpur) – Gritty century on a spinning pitch that led to an innings win.
Awards and Achievements
- ICC Test Team of the Year (2021) – Selected for his consistency and run-scoring ability.
- Player of the Series – SA 2019
- Arjuna Award (2015) – For overall sporting excellence.
- Part of squads that won the T20 World Cup (2007) and Champions Trophy (2013), though these were in limited-overs formats.
Moments of Passion and Leadership
Rohit was known not only for his elegant batting but also for his expressive, team-first mentality. In the Rajkot Test (2024), he exuberantly celebrated Kuldeep Yadav’s wicket with unmatched passion. During the Sydney Test (2023), Rohit voluntarily stepped out of the playing XI for team balance, showcasing his selflessness as a leader.
He often celebrated centuries with emotion — notably his Nagpur ton in 2023, where he raised his bat with pride and humility. These moments resonated with fans and solidified his image as a true team player.
Retirement and Legacy
In April 2025, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket while still serving as captain. The BCCI and cricketing world hailed his decision and paid tribute to his impactful 12-year career.
Rohit’s legacy is not just in numbers — 4,301 runs, 12 centuries, and 67 Tests — but in the calm leadership, clutch performances, and moments of brilliance that lifted Indian cricket. His rise from a middle-order talent to a legendary Test opener and leader is a story of determination, adaptability, and class.
Bibliography
[1] CT Contributor, “Rohit Sharma: A challenging Test career that found rhythm in second chance,” Crictoday, May 15, 2025. https://crictoday.com/cricket/feature-cricket/rohit-sharma-a-challenging-test-career-that-found-rhythm-in-second-chance/
[2] Bharath Seervi, “Stats – The records Rohit Sharma broke on his way to a maiden Test double-ton,” ESPNcricinfo, Oct. 20, 2019. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/stats-the-records-rohit-sharma-broke-on-his-way-to-a-maiden-test-double-ton-1204244
[3] Team Sportstar, “Rohit Sharma retires from Test cricket: India captain’s top five Test hundreds,” Sportstar, May 07, 2025. https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/rohit-sharma-test-retirement-most-memorable-innings-top-5-performances-stats-numbers/article69046398.ece
[4] BCCI, “BCCI congratulates Rohit Sharma on a glorious Test Career,” Bcci.tv, 2025. https://www.bcci.tv/articles/2025/news/55556207/bcci-congratulates-rohit-sharma-on-a-glorious-test-career
