Although Rohit Sharma is a common name in the limited-overs cricket, he is not as regular in Tests. Due to MS Dhoni’s idea of pushing him in the opening slot in 2013, he has become the hitman of today. However, there is a possibility to open the innings in Tests as well. He has an average of 39.6 in 27 Test matches over the past six years, with just three fifties in his kitty. Former India player Sunil Gavaskar has some suggestions for Rohit Sharma who thinks Rohit can be a great opener in Tests as well.
“Look we know there is a difference between red and white ball. The white ball can stop swinging in five overs. With the kind of stitches on the red leather, you may find it swinging even after the 35 to 40 over mark. So facing up against swing is a different matter and he does struggle a bit against the incoming ball. Having said that, if his shot selection is good, he will be able to score in test cricket too,” Sunil Gavaskar told India Today.
Gavaskar said Rohit Sharma would need to tighten his defence to be successful in Test cricket like Sehwag.
“When we talk about Rohit Sharma, he doesn’t have the water tight defence like Virender Sehwag. But he perhaps has more shots than Sehwag. Sehwag would not hit the ball so much on the on side. Rohit can use the pull and hook very well. So Rohit does have more attacking shots. If he can tighten up his defence against the good balls, he can also be successful like Sehwag in Test cricket,” he said.
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Gavaskar, however, was highly impressed with Sehwag’s defensive technique and wants Rohit to have some like his.
“The bat and pad would be so close, like one sees with newly-married couples. There would not be a gap of even an inch from which the ball can go through. He had a terrific defence. It’s another matter that he would summon the defensive shot only if he was bored attacking,” Gavaskar said. “With the way Hanuman Vihari has batted in the middle order, it’s difficult to see Rohit Sharma making a comeback in the middle order currently.
“So this is his best opportunity. We will know after a couple of Test matches. Visakhapatnam and Pune have good wickets. So if he can get one good innings going on these pitches, he could well end up opening in the next two or three years,” Gavaskar said.
It would be great to see if Rohit Sharma opens the innings for India in the longer format of the game as well.
