No reason why Rohit Sharma can’t be successful in Test Cricket: Adam Gilchrist

The selection panel led by MSK Prasad has announced the Test squad for the three-match series against South Africa on Thursday. After winning the two Tests against the West Indies, there wasn’t much to ponder for them about the Test side apart from the opening slot. While Mayank Agarwal retained his place, KL Rahul was axed with Shubman Gill coming into the contention.

Rahul didn’t grab the chances given to him in the longest format and looked set to be left out even as Rohit Sharma’s name popped up to open in whites. MSK Prasad also confirmed recently that they are considering Rohit to face the new cherry in Tests. Now even the former Australia cricketer Adam Gilchrist feels that India’s limited-overs vice-captain can make it big in the Tests as well.

He also went on to back Rohit Sharma to become successful as an opener in the Asian conditions where the new ball doesn’t do much. But he also cautioned Rohit stating it will be challenging for him in the SENA countries.

“There is no reason why Rohit Sharma cannot be successful in Test cricket. In India, most definitely he can play as an opener. There might be more challenging times abroad in South Africa, England and Australia,” Gilchrist was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

‘It would take a change in his mindset’

Rohit Sharma has played with Gilchrist in the IPL early in his career for the Deccan Chargers and the latter knows the class he brings to the table. But the 47-year-old feels that Rohit should be ready to take up the challenge to open in Test cricket and then should change his approach to thrive in alien conditions.

“I have played with Rohit, in IPL. Rohit deceives people in that they feel he is not working hard enough because he is such a laid back guy, but it means just as much to him as it does to anyone else. Rohit is world-class. If he wants to take on the challenge at the top of the order, there is no reason why it wouldn’t work. But it would take a change in his mindset, in his batting approach, particularly overseas. In India, it is suited to him. He’s got to want to do it, no one should force him,” Gilchrist further added.