New Zealand Not An Easy Tour But I'm Ready For The Challenge: Rohit Sharma

India’s limited-overs captain Rohit Sharma has been the consistent performer for the Indian national cricket team in 2019. The talismanic batsman had a sensational year as he was able to produce sparkling performances time and again. He ended as the leading run-scorer of the World Cup with 648 runs in the showpiece event and the highlight of his innings was the manner in which he scored five centuries in the tournament in England.

He also led his IPL team Mumbai Indians to fourth IPL title and went on to become the most successful IPL captain. The flamboyant opener also ended as the highest ODI run-getter of the year. He scored 1490 runs in 28 games at a staggering average of 57.30 and a strike rate of 89.92 in 2019.

In the longest format, Rohit Sharma was also able to grab the opportunity in both hands as an opening batsman. He was at his imperious best in the three-match Test series against South Africa. He scored as many as 529 runs in the four innings at a scintillating average of 132.25.

Recently, Rohit Sharma also made waves in the three-match ODI series against West Indies. He scored 36, 159 and 63 runs respectively and was adjudged the player of the series for his total score of 258 runs. After playing non-stop cricket, Rohit Sharma has been finally rested for the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka.

However, he is expected to make a return for the three-match ODI series against Australia. After Sri Lanka and Australia assignments at home, Rohit Sharma and his teammates will fly to New Zealand to play five T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.

I am ready for the New Zealand challenge: Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma will be facing a fierce bowling attack comprising the likes of Neil Wagner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult and Tim Southee in the two-Test matches in Wellington and Christchurch in February. “New Zealand is not the easiest place to play cricket. Last time, we lost the Test series (0-1) but we gave a good fight. But this bowling attack of ours is completely different from what we had back then,” Rohit Sharma told news agency PTI in an interview.

Rohit admitted that it is going to be a big challenge for him as the ball might swing and seam much more overseas. Rohit also cited the Test match against South Africa in Pune saw the ball swung so much and he believes that he is ready for the upcoming challenge. “For me personally, it’s going to be a challenge, without a doubt, facing the new ball bowlers and the guys who bowl in the middle overs,” he said.

“Facing the new ball in any conditions is not that easy. Of course, it’s a lot tougher outside India. But then, we played three Test matches against South Africa and I have never seen the ball swing so much in India like it did in Pune (second Test). But I know what to expect as I have been there the last time (2014 series in New Zealand). Not the easiest of conditions but I will be ready for that challenge,” he added.

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