India batsman Rohit Sharma amassed 529 runs in his debut series as Test opener against South Africa with a maiden double hundred in the final game at Ranchi apart from twin hundreds (176 and 127) at Vizag. The performance earned him the Player-of-the-Series award while India inflicted a 3-0 whitewash over the Proteas.
Rohit had entered into this series with people still in doubt over him as a Test match batsman, especially at the top of the order. However, the gifted right-hander not only survived, he flourished to give himself a new reign of life in the longest format of the game.
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More than the numbers of runs, it was Rohit’s approach that impressed one and all. Unlike the cautious method he used to employ in the middle-order, the 32-year-old played his natural attacking game while opening the innings in red-ball cricket.
Reflecting on his success as Test opener, Rohit, in an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak, said: "Nothing comes easy in Test cricket. In the initial phase of my Test career, I was giving too much respect to the bowlers while forgetting that I have to keep playing my natural game. I will keep playing my shots in the future as well even if people start criticizing me. I will keep backing my game. I know what the team management has told me and I have been given a role. Even if 10 innings don't work out the way I want, it won't affect me as the team management backing is very important. If I can keep doing that, the team will be in a very dominant position in Test cricket."
Asked about his new role, Rohit said he was mentally prepared for it since the team management had already told him before.
"It was a good breakthrough. I have said it already that the plan (to open in Tests) was being discussed for some time between the captain, coach and the selectors. Mentally, when I was not playing Tests, I used to prepare as an opener - like watching videos of great Test openers. I believe I have got a good platform but it's in my hands to not let go of that opportunity.
"Initially I was a middle-order batsman, even during the start of my ODI career. But in India especially when the ball gets old, shot-making becomes difficult. It doesn't mean that I haven't got opportunities to bat a lot of overs. But while opening, if you are through the initial phase, whether at home or away, you can only get out by your own mistake," he remarked.
In red-ball cricket, Rohit Sharma will now be seen in action during the two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home, starting November 14.
