There are reports suggesting that Rohit Sharma will be India’s latest opener in the Test series against South Africa and this will probably be his last chance to cement his place in the Test side. Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane finds it hard to see such a talented batsman sitting out.
Rahane was at a promotional event on Thursday where he spoke about Rohit Sharma’s chances of opening the batting in Tests and what he must do to succeed in that position and grab the opportunities presented in front of him.
He told the reporters, “You want an answer actually? I don’t know yet whether Rohit will open the innings. If he does, I will be happy for him. I said in West Indies also, it is hard to see a special talent like Rohit sitting out. He has worked so hard and if he gets an opportunity, I am sure, he will do well.”
“We all know the quality he has -- special talent. Test cricket is all about mindset and ODI cricket, you can just go out there and back yourself. In Test cricket, sometimes if two bowlers are bowling good spells, you need to respect that and come out strong and play your game after that,” he added.
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Rahane is currently playing just one format and that makes it tough for him to get enough match practice and face the quality bowlers that he will be facing in an international match. Therefore, he believes that the practice sessions must be very hard so that it prepares one well for the actual match.
“The only challenge you have is getting match practice. Sometimes, match practice is really important and facing quality bowlers is important. At the highest level, you face quality bowlers all the time. All of them are equally good. You don’t get loose balls easily. You need to practice really hard. Your practice sessions should be really hard so that when you step into play a match, it gets easy for you. Preparation and process is the key. You need to believe yourself and come out strongly. If I can keep my mind at the present -- that is Test cricket -- other things will fall automatically,” the 31-year-old said.
While India will be favourites against South Africa, Rahane said that bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj need to be respected.
“Rabada is a quality bowler. He is a wicket-taker. It doesn’t matter how the wicket will be. We have to respect him and the other bowlers. They have got a relatively young team, but their bowling attack -- fast bowlers and spinners are experienced. Keshav Maharaj has played county cricket and did well in red ball. You need to respect them,” he signed off.
(Inputs from PTI)
