Both are destroyers with the ability to score very big, says Ravi Shastri over the similarities between Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, the Indian opener has proved his ability to score runs in Test after he was successful in scoring tons in both the innings against South Africa. It was looked down as a test for the hitman and selectors as he had been waiting for the chance to open in the longest format for long. After a long ‘hit and trials’ the selection committee went for Rohit and the move certainly paid off.

Very few had expected such an exceptional performance from Mumbai born cricketer and that he will turn out to be the main man in India’s victory. He has been praised for the composure he showed in his debut Test as an opener, but now the head coach has come down with some positive affirmations about the brilliant performance and quality the 32-year-old brings with him in the team.

Ravi Shastri opines over Rohit Sharma’s quality

Ahead of the second Test which is to be played in Pune starting on 10th October, Ravi Shastri was asked about his opinion over Rohit Sharma after his recent success in Tests. The Indian coach feels that it is very difficult to keep players of such quality on the bench and his mindset makes him a better opener.

“I would hate to see a player of his quality sitting in the reserves. In the West Indies, I was very clear that he should open and had a chat with [Virat] Kohli about it. This was his opportunity is the mindset. A lot of guys in India should have opened the batting in the last 20 years for the sake of the team balance but they didn’t have the stomach for it.

You have to put mind over matter. You got to respect the new ball and assess the conditions.” India’s head coach was quoted as saying by Sportstar. And when he was asked over the similarity between Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma, Shastri feels that both are very destructive on the field. “Both destroyers, both with the ability to score very big given the tempo with which they play.” he added.

Rohit Sharma broke several records against Proteas in the first Test as he hit 13 sixes and set a new world record which was earlier held by Wasim Akram for hitting as many as 12 maximums against Zimbabwe in 1996.

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