Rohit Sharma did not do justice to his talent as a Test batter: Pravin Amre

Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025, just weeks ahead of India's five-Test series against England. While many heaped huge praises on the veteran and wished him luck for the future, former India cricketer and coach Pravin Amre has stated that despite his natural talent and solid technique, Rohit did not fully utilise his potential as a Test cricketer.

Rohit's Test career began in 2013 under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Though he had early issues with form and consistent performance, his promotion as a Test opener in 2019 was the turning point in his red-ball career. The right-handed batter excelled in the role, producing several memorable performances. However, Amre believes the numbers do not do justice to the talent Rohit had. 

"Fantastic defensive game and an in-born game-sense that every Mumbai batter usually has. He had that confidence always. He used to play a lot of shots and get caught in the outfield initially. Maybe that is why the early consistency was lacking. But once he figured out his game, he became consistent. But I still feel he did not do justice to his talent as a Test batter," he told TOI.

He should have waited till the tour of England: Dilip Vengsarkar

The 38-year-old ended his Test career with 4301 runs in 67 matches at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries. Notably, his recent slump, with an average of just 6.20 in his last three Tests, and eventually dropping himself for the Sydney match. Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar mentioned that Rohit should have waited for the England series before drawing curtains to his Test career.

"He has that rare gift to pick length early. That allows him to defend or attack from the front or back foot. He never takes pressure on bowlers or conditions. I fear that India will miss him as an experienced opener. He batted very well in 2021, left a lot of balls, and batted through time. He should have waited till the tour of England and then quit," he said.