Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday (May 7) prompted a surprise reaction from his India and Mumbai teammate, Ajinkya Rahane.

Rohit, 38, confirmed his retirement from Test cricket through a social media post. His decision came days before the selection of India’s Test squad for the upcoming England tour.

In a press conference held after KKR’s IPL 2025 match against CSK at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday, Rahane was unaware that Rohit had called time on his red-ball career earlier the same day.

"Oh, is it? I just want to wish him the best. I thought he has done fantastically well in the Test format. I didn't know (about the retirement)," the KKR skipper said during the post-match media interaction.

"I'm actually shocked. I didn't know that he retired in the Test format. But I just want to wish him the best," he added.

Rohit ended his Test career with 4,301 runs coming from 67 matches at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. He led India in 24 Tests, winning 12 and losing nine games.

Rahane hailed Rohit’s transformation as a Test batter, especially after taking on the challenge of opening the innings. "Whatever his plans are, he has done really well, improved his game, as a Test batter. He started his career 5-6 number and then opened the innings," Rahane remarked.

"I thought the way he adapted to that opening slot was amazing to see. He always wanted to take on the bowlers, play with freedom. And that's what he wanted other players to do as well, play with freedom."

Having already retired from T20 Internationals after the World Cup win last year, Rohit Sharma will now only be seen in the ODI format for India.