Rohit Sharma was the hero as India defeated South Africa in the first Test played in Visakhapatnam by a massive 203 runs. Sharma pushed to the opening spot of the innings, smashed 176 and 127 runs in the two innings, making a lot of records during the two knocks. He was adjudged the Man of the Match as well for his wonderful knocks.

The decision for Rohit to open the innings was a collective decision by Indian captain Virat Kohli and the team management. The failures of KL Rahul, Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan and injury to Prithvi Shaw has led them to take the decision. Virat Kohli’s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma has been happy with selectors and team management that they gave the chance to Rohit Sharma in the opening spot in Test matches.

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“Rohit is an outstanding player. Everyone knows about the talent he possesses. He was known for his batting in the ODI format, but he showed everyone that he can be a great Test player as well. India has found an established opener now. He can accelerate whenever the team requires him to. I think the team has found another Sehwag. He scored five hundreds in the World Cup and he has earned his place in the Test squad,” Rajkumar was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Meanwhile, the experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin picked 7/145 on his Test return, while Mohammed Shami picked 5/35 in the second innings to help India win. Ravindra Jadeja too had a brilliant all-around show with both the bat and the ball, picking four wickets in the second innings and a stunning return catch as well. The next test will take place in Pune from October 10.