The current Test series between India and Australia, according to former India coach Ravi Shastri, could be decided by skipper Rohit Sharma’s performance.
Rohit entered this series having only played two tests in the previous year, but he has already established the tone for India following a nearly flawless first day that saw Australia dismissed for 177 before Rohit’s 56* helped India reach 77/1 before stumps.
On the most recent episode of The ICC Review, Shastri claimed that despite chatter about other well-known players, it will be Rohit who can “comfort” the locker room. He was speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan.
“Virender Sehwag made the work for the middle order much easier when he was on form by really going after the opposition early. That will be his role.
If Rohit can help India defeat Australia in the current Border-Gavaskar series and then to victory at the ICC World Test Championship Final in June, he will be able to further establish his credentials as an effective captain. Rohit took over as India’s Test captain last year after Virat Kohli retired.
“He has a wealth of experience. He is well aware of the obstacles he faces and the essentials.”