At an outstanding average of 40.57, the 38-year-old batsman finished his red-ball career with an incredible 4,301 runs in 67 Test matches.
Even though Rohit personally guided India to a few historic victories, Virat Kohli captained the team for the majority of his Test career.
Why does this story matter?
Rohit Sharma made his Test debut in November 2013, while Virat Kohli became India’s full-time Test captain in January 2015. Initially, Rohit played in the middle order but struggled with consistency in red-ball cricket. His fortunes changed dramatically in 2019 when he was promoted to open the innings — a move supported by then-captain Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri. This decision transformed Rohit’s Test career. Kohli, meanwhile, stepped down as India’s Test skipper in January 2022.
Over 2,300 Runs Under Kohli’s Captaincy
According to ESPNcricinfo, Rohit played 33 out of his 67 Tests under Kohli’s leadership, scoring 2,397 runs at an average of 48.91. His tally includes six centuries and 12 half-centuries. Notably, in his first four matches as an opener — all against South Africa — Rohit scored three centuries, including his only double-century in Tests. He amassed 529 runs in that series at an outstanding average of 132.25, which remains his best performance in a bilateral Test series.
Dominance as an Opener Under Kohli
Rohit flourished as an opener during Kohli’s tenure. He scored 1,462 runs at a remarkable average of 58.48 while opening the innings. His tally includes five centuries and four half-centuries. Among batters who scored over 1,000 Test runs under Kohli’s captaincy (excluding Kohli himself), Rohit was the only one to maintain a 50-plus average.
Dip in Form in 2024
Despite a strong start as an opener, Rohit’s form saw a decline in 2024. He averaged just 24.76 throughout the year. His last appearance came in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 series against Australia, which India lost. Following this, he was dropped for the fifth Test as India conceded the series 1-3.
Rohit’s Unique Test Records
Scored 177 on debut vs West Indies — the second-highest by an Indian debutant.
Captained India in 24 Tests: 12 wins, 9 losses, 3 draws.
All 12 of his Test centuries have come in matches India won.
Holds the second-most sixes by an Indian in Tests — 88, just behind Virender Sehwag’s 90.