India’s Rohit Sharma continued his brilliance as opener in red-ball cricket as he slammed his maiden double ton on the second day of the third Test against South Africa at JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.
Rohit has had scores of 176, 127 in his maiden outing as opener in the first Test of this series at Vizag. And now the stylish right-hander hit 212 to emulate Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag as players to score 200 across two formats.
Addressing the press conference after the second day’s play, Rohit said: "Kafi kuch hone wala thaa naahin toh kaafi kuch aap likh dete mere barein mein (A lot could have happened had I not performed and you guys (media) would have written a lot about me."
"So it was about making most of the opportunities I got. I knew I had to make full use of it, otherwise media would have written against me. Now I know everyone will write good things about me," he added.
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Rohit has aggregated 529 runs from four innings this series and thus became only fifth Indian opener to score 500-plus runs in a Test series.
"It was a good opportunity for me to open the batting. As I said during the Vizag Test, the communication between me and my team management was happening for a long time about opening the batting. So mentally, I was ready for it. I knew it could come at anytime."
Despite India were left reeling at 39/3, Rohit played with positive intent. He shared a mammoth 267-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Ajinkya Rahane (115) to help the hosts bounce back in the match.
"Speaking of this particular knock, I would say it was most challenging. I have not played much. I played only 30 Tests. In terms of what was thrown at me, I would definitely say it was probably the most challenging one," Sharma said about his 6th Test ton.
Although Rohit has had a smashing start to his Test career as an opener, the Mumbaikar himself acknowledged that he has a long way to go.
"In Tests, it has it's challenges. Having played only three Tests as an opener, I know I have long way to go. I am not reading too much into these three Tests. Of course, I will take a lot of positives but I am not reading too much into it."
Talking about this new challenge, Rohit said: "Opening the batting is a different challenge to batting at Nos 6-7. It's just about how you prepare yourself, what you talk to yourself in your mind about what do you want to go out there and achieve.
"Playing the first ball of the match, compared to facing a delivery after 30-40 overs is a different ball game altogether. There's nothing in particular that I've done in terms of technique."
The 32-year-old is now eyeing to replicate the success overseas when they tour New Zealand next year.
"Wherever you play the new ball, you have to have some understanding of the basics of the game. Which ball you have to play and leave. In certain aspects of the game you have to be mindful of.
"I was allowing myself to take time rather than going after the ball straightway. It's not a good idea with a new ball. You got to play with a little lower backlift. In overseas, of course, it's a different ball game. That's a challenge and I am awaiting."
(With PTI inputs)
