The Indian cricket fraternity was united in paying tributes as Rohit Sharma on Wednesday brought down the curtain on his Test career -- a journey that saw him evolve from a "quiet fighter to a leader," leaving behind an impact that will "echo in the dressing room forever." Rohit called time on his red-ball career with immediate effect, bringing the curtains to a remarkable journey.
Having already stepped away from T20 Internationals after leading India to World Cup glory last year, the 38-year-old will now focus solely on captaining the ODI side.
As the news broke, heartfelt tributes poured in from across the cricketing fraternity.
Batting great Sachin Tendulkar recalled the time he handed Rohit his Test cap back in 2013. It was the same series in which Tendulkar bid adieu to his glorious career.
"I remember presenting you with your Test cap in 2013 at Eden Gardens and then standing with you on the balcony of Wankhede Stadium the other day - your journey has been a remarkable one," Tendulkar said in a social media post.
India's World Cup winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh reflected on the evolution of a "quiet fighter." "Test cricket asks a lot of you - grit, patience, and character. Brotherman, you gave it everything and yet made it look effortless. From a quiet fighter to a leader at the top, your journey in whites has been special. Proud of you, go well," Yuvraj said.
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant echoed the emotional void Rohit's absence would leave in the Test team.
"Your presence and impact will echo in that dressing room forever. Always love, @rohitsharma45 bhai," Pant posted on Instagram.
"A master, a leader & a gem!" India head coach Gautam Gambhir posted on his X account.
"End of an era! @ImRo45, your grit, grace, and leadership in Test cricket will always remain a big part of India’s cricket journey. Thank you for the memories, Captain!," said former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly felt Rohit, who has recently struggled in the format, made "the right decision at the right time." India batter Mayank Agarwal took a walk down memory lane.
"The walks from the pavilion, the silent understanding between the 22 yards, the shared laughs in the dressing room, and the dominating mindset in the middle. Glad to have shared these memories in the whites with you," Mayank wrote.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan reminisced Rohit's exploits in England, while wishing him good luck for the future.
"Congratulations @ImRo45 on your test career. 2021 test series in England will be remembered for your heroics. Go well in your next phase," Pathan said.
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