Rohit Sharma is currently a key player in the Indian Test team. Not just because he is the captain, but the 37-year-old is also one of the best openers out there in red-ball cricket. But that wasn’t always the case as initially there was a time when Rohit was struggling to find his way in the longest format of the game.
However, his resurgence in Tests began from the moment he started opening. Rohit credits Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli for his Test success. Shastri was India’s head coach and Kohli was captain when Rohit started opening in Tests.
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Rohit Sharma reveals how Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli’s words changed his Test career
During a podcast with sports host Jatin Sapru, Rohit revealed the role of Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli in his rise up the order. Rohit mentioned that he had no option but to open as his Test numbers were steadily declining in the middle order.
“I was very grateful to Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli for giving me a chance to improve the order because it was not going to be an easy decision again in Test cricket. They gave me a chance there,” Rohit said.
“(Did they talk to you?) Yes, they asked me (whether I wanted to open or not). They asked me to go play a practice match, which I did and came out with the first ball in that practice game. But I thought now “I have no other option,” he added.
“I will play freely” – Rohit Sharma’s words to Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma spoke about how desperate he was to make it work in his second birth in Test cricket. He also said that this time he wanted to play freely instead of trying hard in the usual way Test cricket is played.
“This is my second birth in Test cricket. I have to grab this opportunity at any cost. Be it opening the batting or number 11, or any other number in the middle order, I just wanted to get picked,” Rohit revealed.
“I told them that I was going to play freely. I’m not going to take the pressure of going and fighting and all that. I’m going to play freely. If the ball is in front of my eyes, whether it’s the first ball of the Test match, I’m going to hit it. “added the Indian captain.
Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli give freedom to Rohit Sharma
The 37-year-old further mentioned that Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli gave him complete freedom to express himself and that allowed him to give his best.
“Unhone bola jo karna hai tu kar (They said you can do whatever you want). They gave me freedom. Ravi (Shastri) bhai was very keen on me opening in Test cricket for a long time. He told me “In 2015, to consider this option, you should open yourself up,” Sharma said in the podcast.
Rohit Sharma’s numbers have improved drastically since he started opening in Tests. He averaged 30 before he started opening in Tests, but now he averages almost 44 in the format.
While his numbers in white-ball cricket were always outstanding, it was his Test records that were a cause for concern. Rohit Sharma’s ability to play well on bouncy and spinning wickets makes him a very talented batsman.
Over the years, he has transformed into an aggressive batsman who likes to take on opposition bowlers. His role will be key for India in the upcoming Test matches in New Zealand and Australia.