The opening Test between India and South Africa will be a crucial one for Mumbai batsman Rohit Sharma, who in all likelihood, will play his first innings for as a Test opener for the Indian team. One of India’s most prolific batsmen in white-ball cricket, Rohit is yet to make a similar impact in red-ball cricket. Time and again, Rohit has been backed by experts to be included as an opener in the Test format. Ahead of the 1st test, Indian captain Virat Kohli opined that his deputy in limited-overs cricket would be given ample time to find his rhythm at the top of the order.
We are in no hurry with Rohit Sharma as opener. He will be given time and space to find his rhythm and the way he wants to play at the top,” Kohli said at the pre-match press conference.
Rohit has so far played 27 Tests where he has amassed 1585 runs at an average of 39.62. He will open the innings after the selectors dropped Karnataka batsman KL Rahul – who failed to cement his spot as an opener in the five-day format despite getting ample opportunities lately.
In the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2019, Rohit was in red hot form as he scripted history by becoming the first batsman ever to score five tons in a single edition of the showpiece event. He ended up being the highest run-getter in the tournament with 648 runs in 9 innings at an impressive average of 81. However, just ahead of the opening Test, he was dismissed for a second-ball duck by South African paceman Vernon Philander.
