Rohit's Test retirement: A quiet call with loud ripples in Indian cricket

On Tuesday evening, there was a gathering of the who's who of Indian cricket at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) office. BCCI president Roger Binny, secretary Devajit Saikia, and GM Abey Kuruvilla were among those present for the inauguration of the newly dedicated Sachin Tendulkar Room and Sunil Gavaskar Room. Both legends - Gavaskar and Tendulkar - were in attendance for the occasion.

The national selectors, including chairman Ajit Agarkar, were present. Rohit Sharma, however, was not there. The fact that Mumbai Indians were playing a match in the evening explains Rohit's absence. But strangely enough, Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket a day later, catching everyone by surprise, including BCCI officials and his Mumbai Indians teammates.

Rohit is believed to have sent an email to the top brass of the BCCI on Wednesday evening. Around the time his social media post announcing the retirement appeared, chief selector Ajit Agarkar was seen speaking on the phone at the Cricket Club of India (CCI). Whether it was a conversation with Rohit remains speculative, but it is understood that the selectors had no inkling of Rohit's decision.

The decision has put to rest speculation over his availability, or otherwise, for the five-Test series in England in June-July. But it has raised questions about the reason for the sudden move. There are suggestions, even reports, that the selectors were not keen to retain Rohit as captain for the England series.

Although the selectors are believed to have discussed the England series on Tuesday, it is not known if they deliberated on the captaincy at all. It is understood that a decision on Rohit would have been taken a week ahead of the Test squad selection, which is expected to be around the time of the IPL play-offs. (The India A squad, consisting of players who are out of contention for the IPL play-offs, is expected to be announced around May 15).

Cricbuzz