IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma Supports Shubman Gill-Led India at The Oval in Fifth Test [WATCH]

India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma made a surprise appearance at The Oval on Saturday, the third day of the final Test between India and England. The 38-year-old was dressed casually and quickly became the centre of attention for fans gathered outside the ground. 

Many supporters were seen taking pictures with the batting star. Like the rest of the fans, Rohit also got his ticket checked at the entry point of the ground.

The ongoing match is the last of the five-Test series. India are looking to square things up after trailing 2-1. Shubman Gill is now leading the side in Rohit Sharma’s absence. India will be eager to clinch a win here and end the series on level terms.

Also read: IND vs ENG: "I Didn’t Expect Such a Big Reaction from Him" - Prasidh Krishna on Heated Exchange with Joe Root in Oval Test

Rohit’s Sharma Retirement from Test Cricket

Rohit had announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the England series. His time as India’s Test captain saw mixed results. India lost a home Test series against New Zealand, who won all the matches. Then, Rohit captained India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 that India lost 3-1. 

In the BGT 2024-25, he scored only 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20.

After Rohit's retirement, the selectors handed the Test captaincy to Gill, who has impressed with both his leadership and batting performances during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

When Will Rohit Sharma Return to Action?

Although he has retired from Tests and T20Is, Rohit is far from done with ODI cricket. He will be next seen in action in October when India travel to Australia for a three-match ODI series. The opener has already confirmed that he wants to continue till the 2027 ODI World Cup. Winning the 50-over World Cup is one of his dreams.

Fans will be hoping that the break from Test cricket allows him to refresh his game and return in peak form for the ODI challenge ahead.

Also read: Will Jasprit Bumrah Miss Asia Cup 2025? Report Sheds Light on Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar’s Plans