Advertisement

Updated September 14th, 2019 at 13:22 IST

Rohit Sharma to open in Tests, ex-coach Sanjay Bangar sets expectation

Rohit Sharma needs to "maintain his individuality" as a Test opener and his success in the longest format can help India successfully chase down big targets

Rohit Sharma
| Image:self
Advertisement

Rohit Sharma needs to "maintain his individuality" as a Test opener and his success in the longest format can help India successfully chase down big targets, said former assistant coach Sanjay Bangar. A revered opening batsman in limited over cricket, Rohit was included in the 15-member squad for the three-Test series against South Africa at home beginning on October 2. He was also in the squad for the West Indies Tests but didn't find a place in the playing XI. Rohit, who has scored three ODI double hundreds and four T20I hundreds, was picked as an opener ahead of an out-of-form KL Rahul, who was dropped after a poor show in the West Indies.

"If he succeeds, his style of play will be extremely helpful to the team. It might result in being able to successfully chase down targets that we haven't achieved in the past, like in Cape Town and Edgbaston," Bangar told media sources in an interview.

READ: Ashes 2019: Jofra Archer claims six wickets as England take charge

Rohit Sharma's Test career

In 27 Tests, Rohit has scored 1585 runs at an average of 39.62 with three hundreds and 10 fifties but he is yet to cement a permanent place in the side. The 32-year-old was seen as a middle-order batsman in Tests but with Hanuma Vihari sealing the number 6 spot with some superlative performance in the Caribbeans, doors have opened up for Rohit to seal the opening slot in Test. Bangar's five-year tenure with the Indian team came to an end last month when he was replaced by Vikram Rathour as India's new batting coach. Reports had emerged that Bangar, who has now been replaced by Vikram Rathour, confronted the selector on the just-concluded West Indies tour, Gandhi, in his hotel room and exchange wasn't exactly friendly. 

Bangar said: "The key to his success will be if he maintains his individual style of play. He has to maintain his individuality. "At the moment, there is no place in the settled middle order in the Test team. Opening will be a new challenge for him, since he has rarely done it in the longer formats. "But the advantage is that he will get to bat against a hard ball with plenty of gaps in the field. He will also not have to wait for his turn to bat, which will save his mental energy."

READ: Steve Smith – Smashing Records And Redefining The Art Of Batting

MSK Prasad hints at Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul's future

"As selection committee, we haven't met after the conclusion of the West Indies tour. We will definitely take this (Rohit as an opener) point into consideration when we all meet and discuss it," said Prasad, a former India wicketkeeper.  "KL (Rahul) is definitely a great talent. Of course, he is going through a bit of a tough time in Test cricket. We are definitely concerned about his form. He needs to spend more time on the wicket and regain his touch and form," he said.

READ | Steve Smith defends Australian batting failures, reuses to blame team

READ | Steve Smith gets tricked by Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps, watch

Advertisement

Published September 14th, 2019 at 13:09 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir
a few seconds ago
Kerala Nirmal Lottery Sambad Friday Result
a few seconds ago
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Rajya Sabha MP Keshava Rao is set to join the Congress party.
4 minutes ago
Byju's leadership dispute
6 minutes ago
Pulkit Samrat
12 minutes ago
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE
12 minutes ago
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
14 minutes ago
Sunita Kejriwal urged people to send ‘messages of support’ to Delhi CM
15 minutes ago
Allu Arjun Unveils His Wax Statue At Madame Tussauds In Dubai
16 minutes ago
Piyush Kumar, GATE 2024 CSIT Topper
19 minutes ago
A poster of Crew
21 minutes ago
How to Keep Yourself Safe from Unhealthy Air?
23 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo