Rohit Sharma Test
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Is Rohit Sharma the Test opener India needs?

Mustafa Ismail·
Test
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India have struggled to find a stable opening pair for their Test side, and Rohit Sharma has been given another chance to shine…

Rohit Sharma is undoubtedly one of the most talented batsmen in the world and his performances at the 2019 World Cup were awe-inspiring. However, he hasn’t reached the same heights in Test cricket – averaging just 39.6 and failing to cement his spot in India’s line-up. Luckily for him, he’s been rewarded for his summer heroics with another opportunity in the longer format, with the media pushing for his inclusion.

In the West Indies, Hanuma Vihari was given a chance ahead of Rohit Sharma. He grabbed it with both hands by scoring a solid century and making several other important contributions. That seemingly blocked off Rohit’s chances of playing against South Africa – but given his stature, the management found a slot for him. KL Rahul couldn’t impose himself in the Caribbean, and instead of giving him an extended run in the home season or replacing him with an opener from the domestic circuit, the selectors have opted for Rohit Sharma.

Yes, Rohit has dominated white ball cricket as an opener – but finding similar success with the red ball requires a more diverse skill-set. In overseas conditions, with the ball swinging and seaming profusely, every batsman must adapt their approach. Things may be relatively easier on home soil, but even Indian conditions are conducive to spin and often prove challenging for those at the crease.

It seems that India are hoping to see Rohit Sharma emulate Virender Sehwag, who wasn’t considered a Test batsman either. Viru managed to play his natural game and perform above expectations after being selected as an opener. Like Rohit, he had minimal feet movement – but he was able to compensate for it with exceptional hitting and hand-eye coordination. In fact, he went on to score some big Test hundreds during his career, including two triple-hundreds.

While Rohit has been given another opportunity to prove his worth, it may well be his last in the five-day format. As a result, there’s very little room for error – and playing his natural game could actually serve him well. India are likely to give Rohit Sharma the entire home season to justify his place in the Test squad, which should provide ample time to get some runs under his belt. South Africa haven’t been their usual self lately while Bangladesh’s bowling attack isn’t the most potent, and their respective shortcomings will have to be exploited accordingly.

The lack of foot movement could prove troublesome – but if he can improve his technique (or go the Sehwag way), he’ll amplify his chances of scoring runs more consistently against the red ball. If Rohit Sharma fails again, he’ll find himself bidding adieu to Test cricket and focusing entirely on the shorter formats. Plenty of openers in the Indian domestic circuit have been scoring runs and they’re practically banging on the door of the national set-up. As Ravi Shastri and co. put their faith in Rohit for the rest of the season, they’ll be hoping to see their gamble pay off.