India’s elegant right-handed batsman Rohit Sharma was the topic of all discussion after it was declared that he was selected in the Test team as an opener. With his hundred in his maiden innings as opener, Rohit has put India in the driver’s seat in the first Test match. He also in the process equalled Sir Don Bradman’s batting average of 98.22 in home conditions.

Notably, while the Australian legend had an average of 98.22 after 50 innings at home with 4322 runs to his credit, Rohit Sharma has 884 runs against his name after 15 innings in home conditions with the same average of 98.22.

“I wanted to take the opportunity and that’s why I made the management aware of it. I am grateful to them for providing me with the opportunity and I am happy I could score runs,” Rohit told reporters after the end of the day’s play.

Rohit took 174 balls for his 115 which included 12 fours and 5 sixes. However, initially he batted with caution and respected the Proteas seamers — Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada.

“I was very clear in my mind what I wanted to do. The new ball will always do a bit in the initial overs — whether it’s red ball or white,” said Rohit, who started his innings with defensive approach and later took the bowlers on after setting himself on the crease.

“I have played cricket in India for a long time now and that’s why I was aware of the conditions and knew that once you get past the first 10 overs, it becomes difficult to get wickets. And it becomes easier to score runs.

“This was my plan to tackle the new ball and then stick to what I had planned. Backing myself and my game was most important for me because it was all I had in my mind,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rohit’s hundred has won him fans all over social media. Yuzvendra Chahal took to Twitter to declare who he thinks is the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). He posted a picture of Rohit and captioned it “Real G.O.A.T”.

Real G.O.A.T 🕺💪 pic.twitter.com/YyjOxMgRe0

— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) October 2, 2019

Harbhajan Singh also tweeted, “Wah @ImRo45 Brilliant 100.. dress blue ho ya white koi fark nahi padta.. Rohit HiT hai bhai (Brilliant ton by Rohit, it doesn’t matter whether he is in the ODI or Test team. He is a hit).”

Wah @ImRo45 Brilliant 100.. dress blue ho ya white koi fark nahi padta.. Rohit HiT hai bhai 🏏 @BCCI @StarSportsIndia #INDvSA

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 2, 2019

International Cricket Council (ICC) was also quick to acknowledge and appreciate Rohit’s splendid comeback hundred as they wrote, “The HITMAN is back with a bang. Rohit Sharma gets his first Test ton as an opener!”

ICYMI

The HITMAN is back with a bang 💥

Rohit Sharma gets his first Test ton as an opener! pic.twitter.com/DsLfnGCzca

— ICC (@ICC) October 2, 2019

Former Indian opening batsman turned commentator Aakash Copra was also impressed with Rohit’s performance.

“4th Test Century. 1st as an opener. Rohit has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Well played,” he tweeted.

4th Test Century. 1st as an opener. Rohit has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Well played ☺️👏 #IndvSA

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 2, 2019

With the help of Rohit’s unbeaten ton, India are at a strong position after Stumps on Day 1.