Rohit Sharma on Test Cricket: ‘Mentally Challenging and Draining, Preparation Is Everything’

Three months after retiring from Test cricket, Rohit Sharma has opened up about the toll the format takes on players, describing it as “mentally challenging” and “draining.” Speaking at a CEAT event on Monday, the former India skipper reflected on his red-ball journey, stressing that preparation was the key to surviving the rigours of Test cricket.

Rohit, who announced his retirement from Tests in May this year, finished with 4,301 runs from 67 matches at an average of 40.58. “Test cricket demands longevity. You’ve got to last five days. Mentally, it’s very challenging and draining,” he said.

Domestic cricket as the foundation

The 38-year-old credited India’s domestic structure — particularly First-Class cricket — for giving him the resilience needed to succeed.

“In Mumbai, even club matches go on for two or three days. We are brought up that way. It trains you to deal with long-form cricket and tough situations,” he explained.

Preparation as discipline

Rohit admitted that his approach to preparation evolved over time. “When I started out, it was all about enjoying the game. You don’t really understand the value of preparation. But with time, you realise how essential it is. It’s what instills the discipline that Tests demand,” he said.

He noted that most of the hard work is done before stepping onto the field. “Once the match begins, it’s all about reacting — to pressure, to game situations, to making the right calls. You can’t prepare during the match; you do it before, so you’re ready when it matters,” he added.

Mental clarity and consistency

On the psychological demands of Tests, Rohit said maintaining focus over five days required mental freshness. “Concentration becomes key. And that clarity only comes from preparation — that’s where it all starts.”

A turning point as opener

Rohit’s Test career gained momentum when he was promoted to open in 2019, a move that turned him into one of India’s most reliable red-ball batters, especially at home. Despite his late surge in the format, he went on to become a crucial presence at the top of the order.

A career across formats

The 2024 T20 World Cup-winning captain — who also stepped away from T20Is after lifting the trophy — is one of the few modern cricketers to leave his mark in all three formats while leading India to a global title.

“Whether it’s sport or life, preparation is key,” Rohit concluded — a mantra that defined his journey in cricket’s toughest format.