Legendary Sachin Tendulkar reckons magnificent 176 in the first Test against South Africa will be the defining innings of Rohit Sharma's Test career. 

Sent in to open the batting for the very first time in Tests, Rohit grabbed the opportunity with both hands and struck an outstanding hundred for India in Visakhapatnam. 

"Before this innings he got out for zero but these practice matches don't count. He has got runs when it counts. I think this innings is a defining innings for him," Tendulkar told India Today. 

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"For me the turning point was when he decided to step down the track to negate Philander's swing. As it is he was batting outside the crease. Till then Philander had bowled three good overs to him. He reduced the distance and forced him to change his line and length."

"South Africa was then forced to ask the wicketkeeper to come up. That's one thing the fast bowler never enjoys. The bowler gets distracted and I think Rohit forced Philander to distraction. It was a game-changing moment," he added. 

Tendulkar is hoping Rohit will finally settle down as a Test batsman after this knock. "We know Rohit's class. The way he batted, his front foot defence; the manner in which he began to defend with a long stride forward, that was special. Once a batsman of Rohit's calibre gets going, it's difficult to stop him. Watching Rohit's batting always becomes fun."

Alongside the sense of anticipation surrounding the prodigious right-hander, comparisons with the amazing Virender Sehwag have followed. Tendulkar, however, refused to draw in such talks.

 "I would say there should be no comparisons. Both Sehwag and Rohit are fantastic players. But I am not a big fan of comparisons personally." 

"When it comes to talent, I have no doubt that he can get runs against any attack in any conditions in the world," Tendulkar added. "He has proven every now and then but the change in position to opening slot requires a different mindset and over a period of time he will gel into this position. He has started with a huge explosion."

"Everyone was expecting him to do something big and he has not disappointed anyone. Rohit has a tremendous ability. (He is) someone whose bat swing is I think one of the best in the world. And I want to wish him all the very best," he concluded. 

(Inputs from India Today)