Rohit Sharma Test Ambition came under spotlight once again after former BCCI selector Jatin Paranjpe revealed an emotional and telling conversation with the Indian skipper. Rohit, who stunned many by announcing his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the England tour, had earlier professed a deep love for the red-ball format. Rohit Sharma Test Ambition
While Rohit is celebrated for his ODI and T20I records, it took time for him to cement a place in India’s Test XI. His red-ball journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster — filled with potential, setbacks, late success, and now, a quiet exit. Rohit Sharma Test Ambition
🎙️ The Conversation That Changed Perceptions
On the podcast ‘A Century of Stories’ with Cyrus Broacha, Jatin Paranjpe, a former India cricketer and national selector, opened up about Rohit’s Test cricket ambitions and how a single quote stayed with him.
“He said, ‘I started playing cricket with a red ball, Jatin. How can you say I’m not interested in Test cricket?’ That stayed with me,” said Paranjpe.
This emotional declaration from Rohit not only highlighted his affection for the traditional format but also countered the perception that he prioritized white-ball cricket over Tests. Rohit Sharma Test Ambition
📉 Unexpected Retirement, No Farewell
Rohit’s announcement to step away from Test cricket came before the squad for the England tour was picked, leaving fans and experts surprised. Many felt he deserved a farewell match, possibly in India, where his contributions could be honored in front of home fans. Rohit Sharma Test Ambition
Paranjpe, like many, expressed disappointment:
“I think Rohit Sharma could have done a lot more in Test cricket. I think he would be the first one to say that.”
Adding to the surprise was Rohit’s decision to drop himself for the Sydney Test during the Border-Gavaskar series — a match where many believed his presence could’ve changed the result. Rohit Sharma Test Ambition
🚀 A Late Test Career Surge
Despite a slow start, Rohit’s Test career witnessed a significant turnaround after Ravi Shastri and the selectors promoted him as an opener in 2019. That decision proved to be a masterstroke.
“That was Ravi Shastri’s idea,” revealed Paranjpe. “Superb thinker. Ravi is 3-4 steps ahead when it comes to reading the game.”
As an opener, Rohit flourished — scoring multiple centuries at home and overseas, including a defining knock at The Oval in 2021, which helped India secure a famous win. Rohit Sharma Test Ambition
📊 Rohit Sharma’s Test Career Stats
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Matches: 59
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Runs: 4,158
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Centuries: 12
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Average: 45.76
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Highest Score: 212
Though he didn’t reach the same statistical heights in Tests as in ODIs, Rohit’s red-ball career had several iconic moments. Rohit Sharma Test Ambition
🧠 Why the Perception Gap?
Much of the narrative around Rohit being a white-ball specialist stemmed from his late Test debut and a stop-start Test career in his early years. In contrast, his ODI and T20I numbers soared.
However, those who worked closely with him — selectors, coaches, and teammates — often spoke about his deep love for the longer format. Rohit Sharma Test Ambition
Paranjpe’s story is one more example of how external perceptions can often miss internal realities.
🛑 Sydney Test: A Critical Juncture
One of the turning points mentioned by Paranjpe was Rohit opting out of the Sydney Test during the Australia tour.
“I was disappointed. We could have levelled the series,” he said.
That absence, and the lack of clarity around his status for the England Tests in 2025, may have led the selectors and BCCI to look toward the future — prompting Rohit to step aside. Rohit Sharma Test Ambition
📽️ Rohit’s Legacy in Tests
While Rohit’s Test chapter may now be closed, his contributions are far from forgettable:
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🔹 Century in his debut Test
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🔹 Twin hundreds in his first match as a Test opener
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🔹 Landmark century at The Oval
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🔹 Leading from the front in the WTC 2023 cycle
He not only overcame technical doubts but redefined himself in the toughest format.
🗣️ Fan and Expert Reactions
The cricketing community was quick to react to both his retirement and Paranjpe’s revelations.
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Fans felt he deserved a farewell Test.
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Experts believe Rohit could’ve captained India for at least one more WTC cycle.
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Former players praised his transformation from middle-order hopeful to reliable Test opener.
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