Star India batter Rohit Sharma, on May 7, 2025, announced his retirement from Test cricket. This came ahead of Team India’s five-test tour of England. And in a remarkable coincidence, he emulated former India captain MS Dhoni while making his announcement.
Both MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma announced their retirements at precisely the same time—19:29 IST—in a stunning coincidence that has evoked strong emotions among Indian cricket fans.
There is more eerie symmetry to be found. Both superstars concluded their red-ball careers with a farewell appearance in Melbourne and played their final home Test match at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
Rohit Sharma, 38, announced his retirement from Test cricket via Instagram on Wednesday evening. “Hello everyone, I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It's been an absolute honor 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," he wrote.
The timing, 19:29, instantly drew parallels with Dhoni’s own quiet exit from international cricket in 2020. Then, too, Dhoni’s retirement statement was issued at 19:29, with a simple message on his Instagram.
MS Dhoni had written, “Thanks a lot for your love and support throughout. From 1929 hours, consider me as retired.”
With 4301 runs in 67 games, including 12 hundreds, and a 9-win record as captain in 14 Tests, Rohit's Test career comes to an end. Despite his poor play in the most recent Border-Gavaskar series—he even dropped for Gill in Sydney—his overall leadership influence was evident.
Nonetheless, the 38-year-old, who helped India win the Champions Trophy, insisted he will keep playing ODI cricket.
The Indian cricket fraternity took to social media to applaud Rohit Sharma for an exceptional Test career and wished him the best for the future.
Here are the posts:
