Rohit Sharma had a start-stop career in his 27-Test journey prior to the first Test against South Africa of the three-match series.
The 32-year-old, who was earlier backed as an opener for this series, featured in his maiden Test as an opening batsman. In the 27 Tests he played earlier, Rohit always featured in the middle order.
This was a new challenge and a new start to his career.
In Vizag, Rohit sparkled like a star. He was cautious at the start and played without much risk. Once the ball turned old and the spinners came on, the senior cricketer grew in prominence. He backed himself and started scoring freely. The carnage started and the opener amassed a brilliant 176 runs in the first innings. He hit 23 fours and six sixes at a rate of 72.13.
What also helped India’s cause was the 317-run opening stand alongside Mayank Agarwal, who went on to smash a gritty 215. That helped the hosts amass 502/7 (declared). After Proteas managed 431/10, India needed to score brisk runs and put pressure on the opposition. Rohit stood out once again for the side.
He scored a breezy 127-run knock to amass his second successive century in the Test and a fifth career one as well. The highlight of the second innings was his 169-run stand with Cheteshwar Pujara (81). India declared at 323/4 as Rohit struck at a rate of 85.23 that included 10 fours and seven sixes. India set a target of 395 and the target was too much for them as they folded for 191.
Rohit passed the first hurdle. It isn’t easy to come and open in Tests for a first time despite doing so in limited-overs. Red-ball cricket is a different ball game. However, Rohit shined and won everyone’s hearts with two massive innings. In this article, we look at what Rohit needs to do next in Test cricket besides also looking at his record-breaking twin tons.
Consistency will be the need of the hour for Rohit
Now that the senior batsman has cracked the code to get a taste of how it is to bat as an opener in Tests, the real journey beings here. With two more Tests to go against the Proteas, Rohit will need to bat positively and get the best out of the conditions available. One thing he has shown that is he can get those big scores and convert runs.
When you look at Rohit’s batting average on Indian soil, he is currently averaging 97.45. He has 1,072 runs from 10 Tests at home and all of his five career Test hundreds have come here. This is insane stuff from the ‘Hitman’.
What he has shown here is perseverance can get you places and he is willing to make chances count. This is perhaps his biggest strength. Post this series, India also take on Bangladesh at home and Rohit’s eyes will be lit up. He knows he can get the maximum out of this phase and go about things. To be a successful Test cricketer, you need consistency. The likes of Steve Smith and Virat Kohli have shown that.
Rohit will need to do well overseas
When it comes to performances outside the subcontinent, Rohit hasn’t quite done well. He averages 31.00 in Australia, where he has amasses 279 runs in five Test matches with a best of 63*. In England, he averages 17 from the only Test he has played there. In New Zealand, he averages 40.66 with 122 runs in two Tests.
Coming to South Africa, he averages the lowest (15.37). And in West Indies, Rohit has played two Tests with an average of 25.00. Now these are worrying numbers in SENA and Windies. However, with Rohit now opening the innings, perhaps things might change. He has achieved success while doing the same job in limited-overs cricket in all these countries.
So, the idea will be to take a leaf out from all the experience gained from white-ball cricket and apply the same. India’s main test will be the tour of New Zealand in early 2020 and that’s where Rohit will be tested immensely in conditions that are a heaven for swing bowling. To counter the likes of Trent Boult, it will be challenging.
What ever it is, he will need to play his natural game given Virender Sehwag achieved success outside home.
Rohit highlights his mantra after the twin tons
Post his heroics in the Test against the Proteas, the right-handed batsman revealed his mantra of how he applied himself. He said mixing caution with aggression was his mantra for success as he also hit a world record 13 sixes during the knock.
“No matter what ball you play, whether it’s a red ball or white ball. At the start, you’ve got to be careful. Focus on basics – leaving the ball outside off, playing close to the body,” Rohit said, adding that match awareness is also another aspect.
“Everything depends on the situation you’re batting in. It’s my game to mix caution with aggression, that’s been my mantra.”
Notable records scripted by Rohit against SA
After registering two successive tons, the premier batsman registered his seventh successive 50-plus score in Tests on home soil. In the first innings, he and Mayank Agarwal became the third Indian opening pair to amass 300-plus stand in Tests. It was also Team India’s best partnership for any wicket against SA in Tests.
The 32-year-old now has the most runs in the maiden Test as an opener. The ‘Hitman’ became the second Indian opening batsman in Tests to smash two centuries in a Test match. Only, Sunil Gavaskar (1971 and twice in 1978) was the only one to achieve the feat thrice.
The celebrated batsman is the first player to score two tons in the maiden Test as an opener.