Cricketer-turned-expert Virender Sehwag lavished huge praise on Rohit Sharma after he walked away from Test cricket on May 07. Taking to Instagram, the opening batter called time on the red-ball cricket after playing 67 Test matches for India. However, he has expressed his desire to play ODI cricket. The right-hand batter's decision came as a shock to the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel since they are currently finalizing the squad for the team's five-match Test series against England starting on June 20.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Sehwag was taken aback by Rohit's decision to call it quits from Test cricket, but felt the right-hand batter might have discussed with the selectors.
"It's amazing because I had also heard those things-like how he was preparing for the England tour, or during the Australia tour when he didn't play the last Test match, he was saying, 'I'm not going anywhere. I'm right here. Don't pretend like I've retired.'" said Sehwag on Cricbuzz.
"But what might have happened during this time? What happened is probably this: when the selectors made their decision, they thought, 'We won't announce Rohit Sharma as the Test captain,' or perhaps, 'We won't even take him as a player' for the England tour. I'm sure the selectors would have spoken to him, told him what they were thinking, and then offered him some options. That's why, before the team was announced-before anything else was made public-Rohit Sharma announced his retirement. That's a good sign," he added.
Virender Sehwag lavishes huge praise on Rohit Sharma's contribution in Tests
Sehwag also praised Rohit Sharma for breaking numerous records in his career and inspiring several players with his entertaining brand of cricket.
"But who wouldn't miss a player like Rohit Sharma? Whether it's Test cricket, ODI cricket, or T20 cricket, he always provided full entertainment. Fans enjoyed watching his batting, and the records he's made are outstanding. Yes, there's always that feeling-he could have played a bit longer. He could have reached 100 Test matches, and only a few elite players have achieved that milestone," said Sehwag.
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"But he's made his decision, and that's fine. His career has been absolutely brilliant. He has no regrets. He started in the middle order and retired as an opener. His achievements are massive. So I'd say-thank you, Rohit, for your service, and all the best for the future," he added.
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Rohit finished his Test career with 4301 runs from 67 Tests, with an average of 40.58, with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries since making his debut in 2013 against West India.
