Rohit Sharma's unexpected retirement from Test cricket has become a major talking point in Indian cricket, and new reports suggest that his exit may have come after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rejected his preferred plan to retire mid-series during the England tour similar to MS Dhoni’s dramatic farewell in Australia in 2014.
According to Sky Sports, Rohit had proposed to the selectors that he travel with the team for the five-Test series in England and announce his retirement midway, emulating Dhoni's 2014 strategy. However, the BCCI reportedly rejected this approach, citing the need for leadership consistency throughout the series. Instead, they offered Rohit a place in the squad but not as captain. The veteran opener reportedly chose to retire altogether, rather than play under a different leader.
Following closely on Rohit’s heels, Virat Kohli also announced his retirement from Test cricket, further compounding the leadership vacuum in the red-ball squad. The dual exits have left selectors scrambling for a successor to carry the legacy of two of India's modern greats.
Reports suggest that the BCCI’s selection committee has conducted informal discussions with both Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant as potential leaders for the upcoming England series. While Gill is considered a front-runner, not all selectors are convinced. One BCCI selector reportedly raised concerns about Gill's spot in the playing XI not being a guaranteed lock, suggesting that he may be better suited to a vice-captaincy role.
Rishabh Pant, who recently returned to full fitness and is captaining Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, is also in serious consideration. The squad for the England tour is expected to be officially announced around May 23, and the final decision on leadership could arrive then.
Veteran cricketer Sunil Gavaskar weighed in on the situation, highlighting the IPL as an ideal proving ground for India’s next generation of leaders. He noted that pressure-packed T20 matches serve as excellent captaincy training, and pointed out the leadership development seen in Gill, Pant, and Shreyas Iyer.
“It will take a couple of years to groom future leaders like Gill and Pant into the super captain mould of Dhoni, Rohit, and Virat,” Gavaskar said during a press interaction on Star Sports Press Room. “All three [Gill, Pant, Iyer] are showing great potential and energy. Gill is very involved, Pant has natural leadership instincts behind the stumps, and Iyer has been commanding on the field.”
Gill currently leads Gujarat Titans, Pant captains LSG, and Iyer is helming Punjab Kings in the IPL, giving all three substantial experience under high pressure a crucial factor as the selectors look to steer Indian Test cricket into a new era. The BCCI now faces the formidable task of transitioning from a golden era of leadership into one that must be built from fresh talent, strategic foresight, and long-term investment in the next generation of Indian cricket.
