Rohit Sharma Can Open In Test Cricket As Well Says Virender Sehwag
Published - 15 Jan 2018, 03:47 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:47 PM
Rohit Sharma, who once replaced Virender Sehwag as an opener in ODI cricket, can be the opener in Test cricket as well, as per Sehwag.
The former India batsman backed Rohit as an opener in longest format of the game as well, and during interaction with his fans, Sehwag said,
“Yes, why not. He can open in Test cricket as well. He has opened in ODIs and can open in Test format too. It might be good for the Indian team too. He has already scored three double centuries in ODIs and likewise, he will have an opportunity to score big in Test as well. He can also score a triple century in Test cricket.”
Rohit Sharma bats in the middle order in Test cricket, just like he did in ODI cricket in his first six years. It was only after he was asked to open the innings in ODIs when his fate changed and he became a permanent member of the side.
In fact, he has already scored three double centuries, all of which came after he became an opener. He and Shikhar Dhawan have been opening the innings since past five years and are doing wonders for team India.
The idea of making him an opener in the longest format is something which can be tested out. He is an experienced man, and with Indian team all set to travel outside Asia in next one year, his experience would come handy. Also, if he opens the innings, it would provide an opportunity to the team to include Ajinkya Rahane in playing XI – who has lost his place to Rohit.
The Indian team management is not expected to test out Rohit as an opener as of now due to various reasons, but surely, it is a gamble which is worth playing for a couple of games as this was the same thing which MS Dhoni did in his regime as captain and it paid off; the fruits of which team India is currently reaping from his form in limited overs cricket.
In fact, he is the Vice-captain of India in ODI and T20I format and has also led the team in Virat Kohli’s absence.
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