Rohit Sharma’s promotion as an opener in red-ball cricketer didn’t turn up to the expectations as the HITMAN went out for a second-ball duck in the first innings on day 3 of the practice match between India’s Board President XI and South Africa at Vizianagaram on Saturday.

The 32-year-old has been selected as Test opener for the first time in his career. He replaced KL Rahul at the top due to the Karnataka batsman’s inconsistent stint with the bat.

All eyes were on Rohit as the fans believed he would come out with flying colours if he gets to open the innings. But unfortunately, he splashed out the opportunity of amassing some confidence before getting into the action on October 2.

Rohit walked out to bat with partner Mayank Agarwal but could sustain just 2 balls. He was dismissed by Vernon Philander in the second over of Board President’s XI innings.

Earlier in the game, the visitors declared the innings at 279/6 after resuming the day at 199/5. Opener Aiden Markram slammed a 118-ball century while Bavuma gave an account of himself by scoring an unbeaten 87. Vernon Philander slammed a fiery-quick 48 off 49 balls before losing his wicket to left-arm spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja.

The BPXI bowlers had to toil really hard on the third day as Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur once again failed to impress. They were hit for boundaries by both Bavuma and Philander.