Despite rain playing spoilsport on the first day of the opening Test of the three-match Test series between India and South Africa, the Indian opener, Rohit Sharma gave a lot to cheer for an Indian fan. His opening partner, Mayank Aggarwal was also at his fluent best as he scored his maiden Test century as they stitched out 317 runs for the opening wicket. This hundred being Sharma’s fourth in Test cricket is extremely special as it is his first game as an opener in the Test cricket.
Rohit made the most of the batting conditions on offers at Vizag. He didn’t shy away from playing his natural game and went ahead on his free stroking manner. Following his breezy, stroke-filled knock, Pakistan’s former speedster Shoaib Akhtar mentioned how he realized Rohit’s true potential in 2013. He said that he had asked the Indian batsman to add a G, for great, before his name (GRS = Great Rohit Sharma) and play in the manner going in with the mindset that he is the best batsmen in India.
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma Equals Don Bradman’s Record With His 4th Test Century
Shoaib never had doubts regarding ROhit’s Talent. He felt people haven’t seen the best from him in whites as he was getting into his shell too often and not expressing himself freely as he does in ODIs and T20Is.
Akhtar was rather appreciative of the manner in which Sharma left the Proteas bowlers clueless. He went on to provide examples of modern greats like Virat Kohli and Steven Smith who always back their talent and skill and never play without courage. It’s their fearless attitude along with his impressive talent that makes them so good in Test Cricket.
ALSO READ: Michael Holding Has Some Suggestions For Jasprit Burmah
The former Pakistan player concluded by saying that in future when India take on England a five-match series, Rohit will go on to get 1000 runs in that series surpassing Smith’s run tally of 774 runs in the recently concluded Ashes series.
Now, this is some good recognition and praise coming from a veteran cricketer for India’s Rohit Sharma.
