It turned out to be a memorable outing for Rohit Sharma on Wednesday against South Africa as he opened the Indian innings in a Test match for the first time in his career. Not only he lived up to the new responsibility he was given but scripted a new chapter in the history book of the gentlemen’s game.


During his innings, Rohit equalled the record of Don Bradman of having a batting average of 98.22 at home. While the Australian batting legend averaged 98.22 after 50 innings at home with 4322 runs in his kitty, Rohit has 884 runs after 15 innings with the same average.

At the same time, it was the sixth consecutive 50+ score for Rohit Sharma in Tests at home.

After the game had an early stumps due to rain, Rohit attended the press conference where he insisted that his plan was to trust his game and abilities. As a result, he remained unbeaten on 115 at stumps on the opening day.

“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.

Talking about his batting plans in the initial overs, the 32-year-old said he wanted to see off the new ball and then cash in from thereafter.

“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. 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.