ENG vs IND: 3 Best Knocks Of Rohit Sharma In Test Cricket; Indian Skipper Bids Adieu

In a momentous announcement that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma declared his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025. Taking to Instagram, Sharma shared his decision with fans, stating,

“Hello everyone, I would 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.”

This news marks the end of an era for Indian Test cricket, as Sharma has been a pivotal figure, both as a prolific batsman and a charismatic leader. As we reflect on his illustrious Test career, which saw him amass 4,301 runs in 67 Tests with 12 centuries, it’s fitting to celebrate his legacy by revisiting three of his most iconic Test innings—212 against South Africa in 2019, 177 against West Indies in 2013, and 161 against England in 2021. These knocks encapsulate Rohit Sharma’s elegance, resilience, and match-winning ability, cementing his status as one of India’s finest Test batsmen.

177 vs West Indies (Kolkata, 2013)

Rohit Sharma’s Test career began with a flourish during Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell series against West Indies at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens in November 2013. Walking in at a precarious 82/4, with India’s top order—including Tendulkar—faltering, Rohit displayed remarkable composure for a debutant. He scored a stunning 177 off 301 balls, an innings that not only rescued India but also announced his arrival on the Test stage.

The knock was a masterclass in patience and resilience. Facing a disciplined West Indies attack, Rohit played with a calm head, building partnerships to stabilize the innings. His most significant contribution was a 280-run seventh-wicket stand with Ravichandran Ashwin, a record partnership that swung the momentum decisively in India’s favor. His innings featured 23 fours and a solitary six, showcasing his trademark elegance, with crisp cover drives and deft cuts. He was eventually dismissed lbw by Veerasammy Permaul, but not before setting India up for a commanding total of 453.

India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami, capitalized on the platform, bowling out West Indies for 234 and 168. The result was a resounding victory by an innings and 51 runs, with Rohit earning the Player of the Match award for his debut heroics. This innings was a defining moment, proving Rohit’s ability to handle pressure and deliver in critical situations, setting the tone for his Test career.

212 vs South Africa (Ranchi, 2019)

In October 2019, during the third Test against South Africa at Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium, Rohit Sharma redefined his Test career. Promoted to open the batting, a role he embraced with gusto, Rohit delivered a monumental 212 off 255 balls, his first double century in the format. This innings was not just a personal milestone but a cornerstone of India’s dominance in the series, part of the ICC World Test Championship.

Rohit’s knock was a blend of caution and aggression. Facing a South African attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, he started steadily, building partnerships and rotating the strike. As he grew in confidence, he unleashed an array of shots, smashing 28 fours and 6 sixes, including a stylish lofted cover drive and a towering six to reach his double century. His 267-run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane, who scored 115, was pivotal, propelling India to a formidable 497/9 declared.

South Africa faltered, scoring 162 and 133 in their two innings. India’s bowlers, including Mohammed Shami and debutant Shahbaz Nadeem, capitalized on the pressure, securing a victory by an innings and 202 runs. Rohit’s 212 earned him the Player of the Match award, and his series tally of 529 runs—the highest by any batsman—clinched the Player of the Series honors. This innings underscored Rohit’s ability to dominate attacks and set the tone for India’s 3-0 series whitewash, cementing his place as a Test opener.

161 vs England (Chennai, 2021)

In February 2021, during the second Test against England at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, Rohit Sharma produced a masterpiece on a challenging, spinner-friendly pitch. India, trailing 0-1 in the four-match series, needed a strong response, and Rohit delivered with a sublime 161 off 231 balls, an innings that turned the series in India’s favor.

The pitch offered sharp turn and uneven bounce from day one, making batting a daunting task. India’s top order crumbled, with Shubman Gill (0), Cheteshwar Pujara, and Virat Kohli (0) falling early, leaving India at 86/3. Rohit, however, stood tall, displaying impeccable technique and clarity of thought.

Rohit Sharma’s innings was a perfect blend of defense and attack—he respected the good deliveries from spinners like Jack Leach and Moeen Ali but punished loose balls with 18 fours and 2 sixes, including a lofted cover drive that marked his century.

Rohit’s 162-run fourth-wicket partnership with Ajinkya Rahane (67) stabilized the innings, taking India to 300/6 by stumps on day one. Rohit’s 161 accounted for nearly half of India’s first-innings total of 329, underlining his dominance. India’s spinners, led by Ravichandran Ashwin, then dismantled England, securing a 317-run victory that leveled the series. This knock was pivotal, showcasing Rohit’s ability to adapt to tough conditions and lead India’s batting charge.

Rohit Sharma’s Contribution to Indian Cricket

Rohit Sharma’s Test career, spanning 67 matches, was marked by moments of brilliance that went beyond mere statistics. His 4,301 runs, including 12 centuries, reflect his ability to deliver in high-stakes situations. The three innings highlighted here—his debut 177, his double century in 2019, and his 161 in 2021—demonstrate his versatility, from rescuing India as a middle-order batsman to dominating as an opener. His transition to opening in 2019 was a game-changer, with six of his 12 Test centuries coming in that role.

As Rohit Sharma steps away from Test cricket, his legacy endures through performances that defined India’s Test triumphs. The 177 on debut showcased his potential, the 212 in Ranchi marked his peak as an opener, and the 161 in Chennai highlighted his adaptability. These knocks are not just numbers but stories of grit, elegance, and leadership. Rohit’s contributions to Indian cricket—through runs, victories, and inspiration—will resonate for generations, cementing his place as one of India’s finest batsmen.

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