However, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has backed Rohit Sharma to open for India in home series vs Proteas. Kohli feels the Mumbai-batsman needs to be given space and time to excel as an opener in Test cricket.
“...if he comes into his own then the whole batting order looks a completely different batting order anywhere in the world,” added Kohli.
“We are not looking to rush him. There is a different pattern you follow in India and different abroad. Opening is a spot where you have to give a player space to understand his own game,” skipper said during the presser.
Skipper Kohli compared Rohit to Virender Sehwag , acknowledging the fact that ‘explosive counter attack’ against opposition bowlers is Rohit’s natural game, all he needs is support from the team management and ample amount of time to find his rhythm to reach the top of his game.
“We are not looking at a certain kind of display of batting from Rohit. It is about him finding his game at the top. Yes, his strength is to take the game forward. Like what Viru bhai used to do for the team for a long period.
“So, it is not as if someone would have told Viru bhai to attack and get a hundred before lunch. His natural instinct took over and he could demolish attacks once he felt comfortable,” he explained.
“He definitely has the ability. If the wicket is challenging and then obviously you won’t see him smashing the ball, he knows what to do.”
Kohli revealed that getting Rohit to open for India was considered long ago but could only be implemented after out-of-form K L Rahul was dropped.