Rohit’s performance helped the Indian team beat South Africa at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam by 203 runs.
Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma (R) raises his bat after scoring a century (100 runs) during the fourth day's play of the first Test match between India and South Africa at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on October 5, 2019. (Photo by NOAH SEELAM / AFP)
Right-handed Indian batsman Rohit Sharma took his maiden test as an opener by storm as he slammed hundreds in both innings of the Test match. He not only scored a massive 174 in the first innings but also came back in the second innings to add 127 runs under his belt.
Rohit’s performance helped the Indian team beat South Africa at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam by 203 runs.
He was deservingly given the Player of the Match award for his performance.
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“Just wanted to go out there and do what I do best. Great opportunity for me at the top. Thankful for the chance, considering I’ve never done that before. Focus was on winning the Test match and I think we pretty much did everything right today,” he said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
He added that the decision to put him at the opening slot did not come as a surprise for him.
“Couple of years ago it was communicated to me that I might open someday. Even in nets whenever I was not playing Tests I used to practice with the new red ball.
“No matter what ball you play, whether it’s red ball or white ball. When you are starting the innings you’ve got to be careful. Focus on basics- leaving ball outside off, playing close to the body,” he stated.
Rohit slammed a world record 13 sixes in the match.
“My job here is to play in a certain manner, that’s what they expect me. And I’m going to try to do that. It’s my game to mix caution with aggression. Everything depends on the situation you’re batting in,” he said.
“There are lot of things in Tests which I’m not aware of in terms of records. Focus was to have fun and put team in a good position. Had to try and play some shots. May come off and may not come off. Bowlers are pretty smart these days. I back myself and I guess fortune favours the brave,” he concluded.
India now lead the three-match Test series 1-0. The second Test match will be played in Pune and will start on 10 October.
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