India captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday, May 07. Rohit took to social media to confirm his decision and said he will continue to represent India in ODI cricket.

"Hello everyone. I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It's been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format," Rohit said in an Instagram story.

Rohit's decision comes just hours after sources told, that the senior men's cricket team selection committee was keen to appoint a new captain for the upcoming Test tour of England, starting on June 20. Sources also indicated that it remained to be seen whether Rohit would be willing to travel as a specialist batter for the five-Test series.

It appears Rohit has made his decision in the wake of the selectors' stance. A new captain will be named for the much-anticipated tour, with Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant all in contention. Bumrah had previously led India in Rohit's absence during two Tests in Australia earlier this year.

Earlier this year thar Rohit had contemplated retiring from Tests before the England tour. However, after the Champions Trophy triumph in February, Rohit held discussions with the BCCI top brass, expressing his desire to be given the opportunity to play the England tour. The BCCI was open to supporting his decision after India’s triumph.

But, Rohit's decision put the selectors in a tough spot. The senior selection committee was not entirely sure of having Rohit, 38, to lead the Test team at the start of a new World Test Championship cycle.

There was a legitimate concern about allowing a senior player to continue if his performances in the format are not up to standard. A dip in form could affect India’s performance at the start of the new cycle and damage the selectors’ reputation.

Source: India Today