Rohit Sharma Can Surely Open Innings For India In Tests - Adam Gilchrist

The troubles for India at the opening slot in Test cricket continued in West Indies as well. KL Rahul failed to make a mark of his own in the red-ball cricket thus giving hope to all the youngsters, who are willing to open for India. Meanwhile, the former Australian Adam Gilchrist believes India can ask Rohit Sharma to open.

The Indian vice-captain Rohit couldn’t make the cut in the playing XI against the West Indies. However, he is expected to be tried out as an opener after Hanuma Vihari and Ajinkya Rahane sealed slot Nos 5 and 6 in the batting order respectively.

Priyank Panchal and Abhimanyu Easwaranhave been knocking on the doors of the selectors for more than two seasons now. While Panchal, the Gujarat captain, has the experience and mature head on his shoulders, Bengal’s Abhimanyu has been in sensational form for India A and in the Duleep Trophy.

Would be challenging in overseas – Adam Gilchrist

Earlier, M.S.K. Prasad, chief selector of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), acknowledged that K.L. Rahul’s form in the Tests is a cause of concern for the team and the board might have Rohit to open the innings in the five-day format as well. Meanwhile, Adam Gilchrist believes that Rohit Sharma is a well-suit got India, especially, in home conditions.

“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,” said Gilchrist, responding to questions on selection committee chairman MSK Prasad’s view that Rohit could be tried as an opener in the longer format.

Rohit Sharma is world-class –

Gilchrist, who has played with Rohit in Deccan Chargers, said that the right-hander is extremely serious and takes his practice very seriously. Also, if he is ready to take up the challenge up the order, there is no reason why the selectors should not try him as an opener even in the longest format.

“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 laidback 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.

Well, most probably, Rohit Sharma would open the innings for India. However, it will be interesting to see whether BCCI has got any plans to give one final chance for KL Rahul in the longer version of the game.