Daryll Cullinan, the former South African batter, recently stirred controversy by claiming that “Rohit Sharma’s retirement was long overdue in Test cricket.” This bold statement, reported by outlets like ESPNcricinfo and widely discussed on X, has divided opinions among fans, analysts, and former players. With Indian cricket in a state of flux following the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, Cullinan’s remark invites a closer look at Sharma’s Test career, the context of his exit, and the future of Indian Test cricket as of May 17, 2025.
Cullinan’s Critique: Was Sharma’s Test Tenure Overextended?
Cullinan’s argument centers on Sharma’s perceived struggles in Test cricket, particularly in the twilight of his career. Sharma, who retired from Tests at 38 after India’s 3-1 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in early 2025, scored 4,345 runs in 68 Tests at an average of 39.50, with 12 centuries and 18 fifties. While these figures are solid, Cullinan contends that Sharma’s inconsistency, especially in overseas conditions, justified an earlier exit.
In England, Sharma averaged a modest 27.40 across 14 Tests, and in Australia, his average was 32.66 over 11 matches. Cullinan argues that these numbers reflect a batter who, despite flashes of brilliance, failed to dominate in the longest format as he did in white-ball cricket, where he amassed over 10,000 ODI runs and captained India to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Cullinan also critiques Sharma’s Test captaincy, which yielded 26 wins in 43 matches but faltered in recent series, including a 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand in 2024 and the Australia series loss.
Cullinan’s view is that Sharma’s prolonged presence delayed the integration of younger players, potentially costing India in the World Test Championship (WTC) race. India’s failure to reach the 2025 WTC final, coupled with an aging core, lends some weight to this perspective, as the team struggled to adapt to new challenges.
Rohit Sharma’s Test Legacy: A Case for Greatness
Countering Cullinan’s critique, Sharma’s Test career boasts achievements that paint a more complex picture. His reinvention as a Test opener in 2019 was a masterstroke, highlighted by a stunning 176 and 127 against South Africa in his first Test in the role. Sharma’s dominance against spin, exemplified by his 529 runs at an average of 132.25 in the 2019 South Africa series, showcased his class in home conditions.
As captain, Sharma led India to historic back-to-back Test series wins in Australia (2018-19 and 2020-21), a feat that underscored his leadership in adversity. His calm demeanor and ability to nurture talents like Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant earned him respect, even as tactical missteps drew scrutiny. Posts on X defending Sharma emphasize his role in stabilizing India’s Test setup during a transitional phase, with fans arguing that his retirement was timed to allow a new generation to take over.
Sharma’s mentorship of young batters like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal further bolsters his legacy. His final Test series may have been underwhelming, but his career contributions—both as a batter and leader—suggest that Cullinan’s “overdue” label oversimplifies a storied tenure.
Indian Cricket in Transition: The Bigger Picture
Cullinan’s comment arrives amid significant changes in Indian cricket. The retirements of Sharma, Kohli, and Ashwin have left gaps in experience and skill, with India’s recent performances exposing vulnerabilities. The 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home and the 3-1 defeat in Australia highlighted batting frailties and a lack of cohesion, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to overhaul the coaching staff.
Gautam Gambhir, appointed head coach in 2024, has embraced a youth-centric approach, phasing out veterans and promoting players like Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan. However, his tenure has yet to deliver consistent Test results, with India’s next challenge being a five-match series in England starting June 20, 2025. The India A tour, led by Hrishikesh Kanitkar and featuring talents like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Ishan Kishan, is a critical preparatory step, aimed at acclimatizing players to English conditions.
Cullinan’s critique indirectly aligns with this shift toward youth, as India seeks to rebuild for the new WTC cycle. The BCCI’s decision to appoint Kanitkar for India A, rather than burdening Gambhir with dual roles, reflects a strategic focus on developing a robust talent pipeline.
Challenges Post-Sharma: A New Era
Sharma’s retirement poses immediate challenges for India’s Test batting. With Kohli also gone, the top order relies heavily on Gill and Jaiswal, both of whom are yet to fully establish themselves in overseas conditions. The middle order, anchored by Pant and Jurel, shows potential but lacks the consistency of past greats. Cullinan’s point about an overdue retirement gains traction here, as India’s dependence on Sharma may have slowed the development of these younger batters.
The bowling unit, led by Bumrah, remains a strength, but the absence of Ashwin’s spin mastery places pressure on Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Gambhir’s revamped coaching staff, including batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and fielding coach Ryan ten Doeschate, is tasked with addressing technical deficiencies exposed in recent series, particularly against pace and swing.
Opportunities for the Next Generation
Sharma’s exit opens doors for emerging talents. Sarfaraz Khan’s 150 in Australia signaled his readiness for a permanent spot, while Ishan Kishan’s inclusion in the India A squad hints at a potential Test comeback. The India A tour, starting May 30, 2025, will be a proving ground for players like Karun Nair and Easwaran, who aim to stake claims for senior team berths.
Kanitkar’s coaching philosophy, centered on discipline and adaptability, complements Gambhir’s high-intensity approach, creating a balanced ecosystem for player development. Success in England could fast-track several India A players into the senior setup, addressing the gaps left by Sharma and others.
Evaluating Cullinan’s Claim: Fair or Harsh?
Cullinan’s statement, while grounded in Sharma’s statistical struggles and recent team failures, risks undervaluing his broader impact. Test cricket demands more than numbers—it requires resilience, leadership, and the ability to inspire. Sharma’s reinvention as an opener, his overseas series wins, and his mentorship of young players tick these boxes, challenging the notion of an “overdue” exit.
However, Cullinan’s call for renewal resonates in the context of India’s WTC disappointments and the need for fresh faces. The debate underscores a universal truth in sport: transitions are inevitable, and legacies are judged through multiple lenses. Sharma’s Test career, while not flawless, leaves an indelible mark that transcends Cullinan’s critique.
The Road Ahead: India’s Test Aspirations
As India gears up for the England series, the focus is on forging a new identity. The India A tour will test the bench strength, while Gambhir’s senior team must deliver results to silence doubters. Kanitkar’s role in preparing the next wave of Test players will be pivotal, as India aims to reclaim its dominance in the format.
Rohit Sharma’s retirement, whether overdue or timely, marks the end of a significant chapter. His contributions as a batter, captain, and mentor have shaped Indian cricket, paving the way for a new generation to carry the baton. Cullinan’s provocative remark may spark debate, but it also highlights the cyclical nature of sport—where farewells fuel the rise of new stars, and India’s Test journey continues with renewed hope.
