Rohit Sharma was overawed by Virat Kohli’s glowing presence: Ian Chappell

Rohit Sharma was the hot talk of the town when he made his opening debut for Team India in the longest format against South Africa. He addressed his arrival with twin tons which included a record opening partnership between him and Mayank Agarwal of 317 runs.

Rohit has earned his name as the “Hitman” in the limited over format. But, who knew that change will never affect the form of the 34-year-old cricketer. He was draining for a single chance since long but when he got the opportunity the Indian batsman gone for a Bulls-eye. However, Mumbai-born cricketer played a vital role in India’s win and was given the Man of the Match in the first Test.

Former cricketers and fans came pouring lucks of wishes over him. And then comes a former cricketer from Australia raising an important fact over the brilliance of Rohit Sharma in Tests as an opener and feels that it was the right move in order to revive his career.

Ian Chappell feels it is a good move to open with Rohit Sharma

Former Australian captain, Ian Chappell feels to ask Rohit to open the innings in Tests is quite a good action taken by the management, “This move makes a lot of sense. As a One-Day opener, Rohit has established himself as the next most dangerous batsman to Kohli. The move to opening means Rohit bats ahead of Kohli in Test matches and this is crucial to revitalising his career in the longer format,” Chappel wrote in his column to Hindustan Times.

Ian Chapell also thinks that earlier the Indian batsman was in disguise over his role, “There appeared to be two things holding Rohit back at Test level; he was unsure what type of player he should be and at times he seemed overawed by Kohli’s glowing presence,” he added.

South Africa had to face a humiliating defeat against India in the first Test. As they were defeated by a big margin of 203 runs. The Proteas went on to lost their 2nd Test as well by an innings and 137 runs to give India 2-0 lead in the series.

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