Rohit Sharma's abrupt retirement from Test cricket has jolted Indian fans, leaving the team without its captain and most seasoned opener just weeks before a pivotal five-Test series starts in England.
India haven't won a Test rubber in England since 2007. To lose their captain and most experienced opening batter will compel a rethink of selection strategy for the tour.
A charismatic leader and dashing batter, Sharma is widely regarded as a modern day great.
His stats in Test cricket – 4,301 runs in 67 matches at an average of 40.57 are not imposing.
But the aplomb and authority, tactical acumen and lead-from-the-front derring-do which he has displayed has won him admiration and respect all over the cricket world.
Sharma's decision to retire from Test cricket, announced via a subdued Instagram post, has sparked widespread speculation. While various factors may have influenced his choice, his prolonged slump in Test form appears to be the primary catalyst.
In his last six Tests – three against New Zealand at home, three against Australia Down Under – Sharma's form was woeful. In 10 innings in these matches, he could muster a paltry 122 runs.
To compound the problem, India lost all these Tests. Being whitewashed by New Zealand 3-0 at home – unprecedented in Indian cricket – put Sharma under harsh scrutiny in the ensuing Border-Gavaskar series in which too he found no relief. He took the laudable, but extreme step of dropping himself from the playing XI for the last Test at Sydney.