Rohit Sharma was gearing up for England tour, but selectors decided ‘we won’t pick him even as a player’, says Virender Sehwag

New Delhi: Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket on May 7th, announcing his decision via Instagram. This follows speculation about his place in the team for the England tour and, according to reports, his removal as Test captain by the BCCI selection committee.

Virender Sehwag, a former Indian cricketer, commented to Cricbuzz on Mumbai Indians’ opening batsman’s recent decision, viewing it positively.

He said, “It’s amazing, because I had also heard those things-like how he was preparing for the England tour, or during the Australia tour when he didn’t play the last Test match, he was saying, “I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here. Don’t pretend like I’ve retired.”

“But what might have happened during this time? 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 Sharma announced his retirement. That’s a good sign.”

Sehwag praised Rohit Sharma’s contributions to Indian cricket. “But who wouldn’t miss a player like Rohit Sharma? Whether it’s Test cricket, ODI cricket, or T20 cricket, he always provided full entertainment. Fans enjoyed watching his batting, and the records he’s made are outstanding,” he said.

“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,” he added.

Rohit Sharma amassed 4301 runs in 67 Test matches, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, achieving an average of 40.57.

 

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