Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday (May 7), confirming his decision through an Instagram story.

Rohit’s decision comes days before the announcement of India’s Test squad for the upcoming England tour, featuring five Test matches, starting on June 20 in Leeds.

According to The Indian Express, the call was also made after the BCCI selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, decided to sack Rohit as India’s Test skipper for the impending tour.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, former India opener Virender Sehwag weighed in on Rohit Sharma’s sudden retirement decision from the longest format and felt it was a ‘good sign’.

Sehwag 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 also lauded Rohit’s contribution 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,” Sehwag further remarked.

Rohit Sharma 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.

Having already retired from T20Is after leading India to a World Cup title last year, Rohit Sharma will now focus solely on leading the national side in ODIs.