Sanjay Manjrekar says Rohit Sharma’s days as Test opener were over after retirement announcement

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar said Rohit Sharma’s days as Test opener were over after his below par numbers in the last couple of years. Manjrekar highlighted that Rohit was averaging 10.9 and with his fitness levels going down, the retirement decision was on the cards.

Rohit played 67 Tests during an 11-year career, leading in 24 of them since taking over the baton of the team from Virat Kohli in 2022. He ends his career with a total of 4301 runs at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries.

Rohit could only manage 31 runs in three Test matches against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar trophy 2024-25 at an average of 6.20 and also stood down in the final Test against Australia at Sydney, putting a doubt on his Test future.

Sanjay Manjrekar wrote on X, “164 in his last 15 innings. Out of which 10 were at home v Bangladesh & NZ. Average 10.9. With his current fitness levels…Rohit Sharma’s days as Test opener were over. So…”

On Wednesday, Rohit announced his decision to call time on his career and gave his gratitude for all the love and support.

“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. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” said Rohit in his statement on social media.

Rohit made an impressive Test debut against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata in 2013 as he scored 177 and thus bagged Player of the Match award as India registered an innings and 51 runs win. In his second Test, Rohit scored another fine knock of 111 runs and was awarded Player of the Series against the Windies.