One good away Test series will change Rohit Sharma's mindset: MSK Prasad

Outgoing chairman of national selectors MSK Prasad has heaped praise on swashbuckling opening batsman Rohit Sharma on his evolution as an “all-format” player. It was under the MSK Prasad-led selection committee where Rohit Sharma was given a chance to resurrect his fledgeling Test career when he was promoted to open the innings at the start of India’s home season against the visiting Proteas last year.

Rohit made full use of the opportunity and responded with back-to-back hundreds in each innings in his maiden Test as an opener- the first batsman to do so-  and then backed it up with a whirlwind double-hundred at the expense of the hapless South African bowling attack. That said, the major test for Rohit- The Test opener- was always going to be the overseas conditions, starting with the upcoming Test series in New Zealand. 

While lauding India’s limited-overs vice-captain, Prasad also wished that Rohit Sharma endures one decent away series as Test opener to gain full confidence in the longest format. “Well, Rohit is now an all-format player. His transformation is stunning. We know his unbelievable talent in white-ball cricket with those double centuries.

And, in the last four to five months as a Test opener, he has shown his class. “I wish he has one good away series. That should change his mindset,” MSK Prasad was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

Injury ruled out Rohit Sharma from NZ Tests

Rohit Sharma will have to wait till the end of the year to prove himself in overseas conditions as he has been ruled out of the remaining matches on the tour of New Zealand due to a calf-strain, he endured during the final T20I at the Bay Oval.

“He underwent an MRI scan in Hamilton on Monday. The opening batsman has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI and test series and will be referred to the National Cricket Academy for further management of his injury,” the BCCI said in a statement.

With Rohit getting ruled out, Mayank Agarwal was named as his replacement in the ODI squad while Prithvi Shaw, has been named as Sharma’s replacement. India will play two ICC World Test championship Tests in New Zealand- the first of which will start at Basin Reserve in Wellington from February 21st. The second Test will be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch from February 29th.