3 Surprising Similarities in Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni’s Sudden Test Retirements
Rohit Sharma's unexpected retirement from Test cricket has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Just weeks after expressing his desire to lead India in the England series, the veteran opener announced his departure from the longest format. But what’s grabbing even more attention is the uncanny similarity between Rohit’s exit and MS Dhoni’s sudden Test retirement years ago.
A Farewell No One Saw Coming
Rohit Sharma took to Instagram to reveal that he is stepping away from Test cricket. The 37-year-old wrote, “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,” Rohit wrote on his Instagram stories. “Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” he added.
The timing of this announcement baffled many - especially since Rohit had recently been placed in the BCCI’s elite A+ category, suggesting he was still central to India’s red-ball plans.
Hints Were There, But Few Noticed
Questions around Rohit’s future in Tests had lingered since he sat out the final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. While he clarified at the time that he stepped aside for team balance, the lack of runs may have played a part. Insiders suggest the decision wasn’t just sudden for fans - even the BCCI top brass was reportedly caught off guard. Sources claim selectors weren’t planning to retain him as Test captain for the England tour, with Shubman Gill emerging as a likely successor. This may have nudged Rohit toward calling time.
Déjà Vu: The Dhoni Parallel
Cricket fans couldn’t help but notice eerie similarities between Rohit Sharma’s retirement and MS Dhoni’s. - Both announcements came at exactly 7:29 PM. While Dhoni was known for his precision, Rohit’s timing is believed to be unintentional - yet the coincidence is striking.
- Both legends played their last Test matches at Australia’s Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
- Their final Test on Indian soil? Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai - their home turf.
- And like Dhoni, Rohit opted out mid-series during an Australian tour, adding to the air of mystery.