India batsman Rohit Sharma had an incredible 2019 in which he amassed 2442 runs as an opener across three formats.
Apart from finishing the World Cup as the highest run-getter, Rohit dominated the red-ball cricket last year. Opening the batting for the first time in Tests, the Mumbaikar smashed 529 runs in four innings against South Africa.
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Although Sharma proved his mettle as Test opener on home shores, his technique against the new ball will actually be examined in the upcoming tour of New Zealand. Nonetheless, the 32-year-old is ready for the challenge coming up next month.
India will be playing two Tests in Wellington (21-25 February) and Christchurch (29 February-4 March) after facing the Kiwis in five T20Is and three ODIs.
"New Zealand is not the easiest place to play cricket. Last time, we lost the Test series (0-1) but we gave a good fight. But this bowling attack of ours is completely different from what we had back then," Rohit quoted as saying by PTI.
"For me personally, it's going to be a challenge without doubt, facing the new ball bowlers and the guys who bowl in the middle overs," he further said.
Rohit is aware that the ball might swing and seam much more outside India but the home series against South Africa last year was a welcome change in terms of what one expected of sub-continental pitches.
"Facing the new ball in any conditions is not that easy. Of course, it's lot tougher outside India. But then, we played three Test matches against South Africa and I have never seen the ball swing so much in India like it did in Pune (second Test)," the elegant right-hander recalled.
"The first few overs that they (SA) bowled, the pitch was damp and so they got pretty much everything out of it. In Ranchi (where he got a double hundred) also, we were three down in no time.
"But I know what to expect as I have been there the last time (2014 series). Not the easiest of conditions but I will be ready for that challenge," he added.
Even though New Zealand suffered a 3-0 Test whitewash at the hands of Australia just recently, Rohit knows how the Kiwi bowling unit turn things around and execute their plans consistently at home.
"They come up with plans and stick to them. It's one thing to make a plan without being able to execute it and another to make a plan and implement it to the T. That makes a lethal bowling combination."
Asked if he feels he could have decided on opening in Tests much earlier, the 32-Test veteran said: "I know I could think that way. I know it happened late but must have happened for good. That's what I am thinking now honestly. In fact, I am happy that whatever is going on in my career right now is in my favour.
"Whatever has happened in the past, I cannot change that. I am happy that at least an opportunity to open the batting came to me and I have enjoyed batting up the order."
(With PTI inputs)
