Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali remarked that Rohit Sharma was once the “most naturally gifted batter in the world.”
Moeen Ali Lauds Rohit Sharma’s Test Cricket Career
Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali recently praised Rohit Sharma’s contribution to Test cricket, highlighting the Indian star’s natural talent and batting elegance. Rohit, who announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of India’s upcoming England tour, ended his longest-format career having played 67 matches, scoring 4,301 runs including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries.
Despite a difficult run in his last two Test series—scoring only 31 runs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia and choosing to withdraw from the final Test in Sydney—Rohit’s impact as a Test opener remains significant. He began opening the innings in 2019, which marked a turning point in his Test career, allowing him to showcase his true potential.
On the “Beard Before Wicket” podcast, Moeen described Rohit as a “more natural player” with a smooth and effortless batting style, calling him “a proper gift” and at one time “probably the most talented player in the world.” Moeen also noted that while Rohit might not have matched some peers in fitness levels, his ability to hit the ball further and influence games was undeniable.
Rohit’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, but his legacy as a gifted batsman and impactful opener will be remembered.
Rohit Sharma will continue to represent India in ODIs
Rohit Sharma confirmed his retirement from Test cricket via Instagram, sharing a heartfelt message alongside a picture of his Test cap. He expressed gratitude for the honor of representing India in whites and assured fans that he will continue playing ODIs for the country.
In his Test career spanning 67 matches, Rohit maintained an average of 40.57. However, he faced challenges in overseas conditions, where his average dropped to 31.01. Among the SENA nations—South Africa, England, and Australia—Rohit’s best performance was in England, averaging 44.66. Unfortunately, his outings in Australia and South Africa were less impressive, affecting his overall overseas record.
Rohit’s decision to retire from Tests comes after he had already retired from T20 internationals following India’s 2024 World Cup triumph. While his overseas struggles were notable, his impact as a stylish and skilled batsman in the Test format, especially after transitioning to an opener in 2019, remains significant. His focus now shifts entirely to limited-overs cricket, where he continues to be a key figure for India.
