"It’s very challenging and draining as well"- Rohit Sharma's first statement on tests after announcing retirement from the format

Rohit Sharma retired from test cricket in May 2025.

Indian Cricket Team ODI skipper Rohit Sharma talked about the challenges of playing test cricket. He said that the longest format of the game demands longevity, and it is mentally and physically very draining. 

Rohit Sharma has been one of the legends of Indian cricket, who has proved his worth for the team in all three formats, scoring truckloads of runs while opening the batting for the side. 

Rohit Sharma recently called time on his career in tests ahead of the England tour. The premier batter brought his best in the longest format of the game when he was asked to open the innings in 2019. He ended his career as India’s leading run-getter in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), the record which now belongs to Rishabh Pant.

Rohit Sharma also captained the team in the tests and did a great job, leading the team to the final of the ICC WTC 2021-23. However, he struggled in the last phase of his career and eventually ended up retiring from the longest format of the game.

Mentally, it’s very challenging and draining as well – Rohit Sharma

While talking about the challenges of playing tests, Rohit Sharma highlighted how the club matches in Mumbai even go to the last days. He also opened up about how preparation plays a key role in a player’s career. Speaking during the CEAT event, he said: 

“Test cricket demands longevity. You’ve got to last five days. Mentally, it’s very challenging and draining as well. In Mumbai, even club matches go on for two or three days. We are brought up that way. It trains you from a young age to deal with long-form cricket and to respond to tough situations,” 

“When I started out, it was all about enjoying the game. You don’t really understand the value of preparation,” he admitted. “But with time — as you meet senior players and coaches — you begin to realise how essential it is. It’s what instills the discipline that cricket, especially Tests, demands.” 

Whether it’s sport or life, preparation is key – Rohit Sharma 

Rohit Sharma also spoke about how preparation helps in games, highlighting that in both sports and life, preparation is key. He added: 

“A lot of your time goes into prepping before the game. Because once the match begins, it’s all about reaction — reacting to pressure, to game situations, to making the right calls with bat or ball,” he said. “You can’t prepare during the match — you do it before, so you’re ready to respond when it matters 

“When you’re aiming to perform at the highest level, you need mental clarity and freshness. Concentration becomes key,” he said. “And that clarity only comes from preparation — that’s where it all starts. Whether it’s sport or life, preparation is key.” 

Having retired from T20Is and tests, Rohit Sharma is only active in ODIs. He will be next seen in action during the Australia series in October.

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