Former India captains back Rohit Sharma to seal a Test spot

An unprecedented three double centuries in ODIs, four T20I tons in T20Is are some of the many records that Rohit Sharma holds in the limited-overs format. The right-handed batsman is a force to reckon with in the coloured clothing. However, when it comes to Tests, Rohit is yet to cement his spot in the playing XI.

A career that started with two back-to-back tons has not lived up to its early promise so far. Earlier this year, he was dropped from the Test side after a poor show in South Africa. He was not recalled for the one-off game against Afghanistan, the series against England as well as the one against Windies. However, a fine run of form in limited-overs cricket and his strength while dealing with bounce helped Rohit earn a Test lifeline for the ongoing series in Australia.

The Mumbaikar was included in the playing eleven straightaway ahead of Hanuma Vihari for the first Test in Adelaide but he failed to grab the chance, scoring 37 in the first essay before failing to open his account in the second.

He did not play the second game due to an injury but was given another chance for the ongoing third Test in Melbourne. And Rohit came good with the bat in whites. The right-handed batsman finally looked at ease against the red-ball as he gave glimpse of what he could do if he gets going in the longest format of the game.

He started this knock on an uncharacteristic note, taking 8 balls to open his account. At one stage, he had managed to collect just 14 runs from 53 balls. But things changed quickly as he settled down to score an unbeaten 63 before India declared their innings at 443 for seven.

Legends back Rohit

Impressed with his latest Test knock, former Indian captains Kapil Dev and Dilip Vengsarkar believe that the 63-run knock could finally kickstart Rohit’s Test career.

“Rohit is really a treat to watch when he is batting. He bats effortlessly and I hope he continues to plunder runs in Test cricket like he does in ODI,” Kapil told TOI.

Echoing Kapil’s sentiments, Vengsarkar said Rohit should be given a long run in Test cricket.

“This knock could be the revival of Rohit in Test cricket. I have always backed him to do well in Test cricket. I am sure he will make most of it in the days to come,” Vengsarkar said.

Kapil also spoke on what make Rohit so ‘lethal’ on the crease.

“Of all the batsmen, I think he seems to have the maximum time while facing Australian fast bowlers. He also plays it late, which makes his batting style quite lethal,” the former Indian skipper said.

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