Image Credit- ANI
In the next Test series against England, legendary
Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar thinks an in-form Rohit Sharma can give India a
profitable start. In the current cycle of the ICC World Test Championship,
India will host England for five red-ball matches following a two-Test series
visit of South Africa. In the just finished Afghanistan series, veteran opener
Rohit found his best form again.
The next big task for India is a five-match Test
series, and Gavaskar wants Rohit to lead the Asian heavyweights from the front.
The batting icon supported the experienced captain in helping the Indian team’s
middle-order hitters by recalling Rohit’s masterclass in Chennai against
England.
“Rohit, the batter, the manner in which he batted in
the Chennai Test, he hit a hundred, and it was a very good hundred. He showed
how to bat on spin-friendly pitches. If he continues to bat that way, India
will definitely get a good start. And it can make No.3 and No. 4 batters’ lives
easily,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.
“As captain, Rohit Sharma will need to use his bowlers
cleverly. Usually in Hyderabad, there is not enough turn on offer, so if
England bats first and make a successful start till lunch, there we’ve to see
how he uses his bowlers to judge him,” Gavaskar added.
In nine home Test matches against England, Indian
captain Rohit has amassed 747 runs. In his home matches versus England, Rohit
averages over 50 (49.80). Against Ben Stokes and company in India, the opening
batsman for the Indian team has amassed two centuries and three half-centuries.
In 54 Test matches, Rohit has scored 3738 runs for India.
When England travelled to India for a four-match Test
series, Rohit finished as the second-highest run scorer. The 36-year-old scored
345 runs at a 57.50 average. At the Chennai-based MA Chidambaram Stadium, the
opening batsman for India scored a remarkable 161 runs against England.