Rohit Sharma is 16th on the list of India’s highest run-scorers in Test cricket history. He has scored 4,301 runs in 110 innings at an average of 40.57, with 12 centuries. These numbers show that Rohit was a good batter who, at times, delivered extraordinary performances. However, considering his immense talent, it’s fair to say that he didn’t fully reach his potential in Test cricket.

His position becomes even more interesting when we look at the group of Indian batsmen who have scored over 4,000 runs in Tests. They may not be called legends, but they stand above many others. At the top of this list is Mahendra Singh Dhoni (4,867 runs), whose Test success came through hard work and patience. Another example is Mohinder Amarnath, who once said he was less gifted than his brothers but overcame his technical flaws with strong willpower and focus.

Rohit Sharma’s early struggles in England made many believe that he wasn’t suited for overseas Test cricket. But in 2021, he proved that with discipline and patience, big scores were possible even in tough English conditions. On that tour, his century and a gritty 83-run knock stood out as defining moments in his red-ball career.

Also Read -BCCI shares special video on Rohit Sharma’s test retirement

Just below him in India’s run-scoring charts is Gautam Gambhir—not as stylish as Rohit, but known for his grit. Interestingly, Rohit seemed to adopt Gambhir's toughness in the latter part of his Test career. Both were among the last few Indian batsmen who battled spin with the old-school warrior spirit.

Still, one question continues to follow Rohit—did he ever truly fulfil his potential? Maybe not completely. But some innings capture the essence of Rohit Sharma’s Test career at different stages:

1.  212 vs South Africa, Ranchi (2019)

The Hitman scored the only double century of his Test career during his first series as an opener. After scoring a century in the first Test, he went on to play a brilliant innings of 212 runs in the third Test.

2. 120 vs Australia, Nagpur (2023)

Rohit Sharma scored 120 runs against Australia in the first Test of the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His innings came on a tough turning pitch and helped India take a 1-0 lead in the series, which India later won 2-1.

3. 161 vs England, Chennai (2021)

On a turning pitch where most batsmen failed, Rohit played a magical innings. He used sweeps, cuts, and bold strokeplay to destroy England’s spinners. Only two other batters managed half-centuries in that match. Rohit’s knock stood out as a masterclass on how to tackle spin on Indian soil.

4. 177 vs West Indies, Kolkata (2013)

Rohit Sharma scored 177 runs on his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in 2013. This is the second-highest individual score by an Indian player on Test debut.

5. 176 vs South Africa, Visakhapatnam (2019)

This was perhaps Rohit’s last chance to cement his place in Test cricket—and he grabbed it with both hands. Opening the innings for the first time, he scored a brilliant 176. It was a mix of smart defence and fearless shot-making. He backed it up with another century in the second innings, sealing his place as a Test opener.