IND vs SA: Nayan Mongia Questions Decision To Promote Rohit Sharma As Opener In Tests

Former Indian wicket-keeper batsman Nayan Mongia feels that giving Rohit an opportunity up the order might not be too successful

With youngster KL Rahul struggling at top to score runs, many experts have backed the idea of trying Rohit Sharma as a specialist opener in Test cricket in the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa. Chief Selector MSK Prasad too has backed Rohit to come good at the top of the order. However, former Indian wicket-keeper batsman Nayan Mongia feels that giving Rohit an opportunity up the order might not be too successful. “Opening is a specialized job, like ‘keeping. He’s been opening in limited-overs cricket, but Test cricket requires a massive adjustment in mindset. Unless, of course, he decides to stick to what he does in limited-overs cricket - go for the ball. He must stick to his strengths, rather than change his game according to Test cricket. If he does that, it may affect his limited-overs game,” Mongia told Times of India. “Why not give chances to those who’ve scored 1,000-800 runs in a season as an opener? The likes of Panchal and Easwaran are averaging 50-60 in domestic cricket. When are they going to get a chance? It’s demotivating for them,” he further added.

The selectors took the massive step of dropping KL Rahul at the top after giving him a fair run in the recently concluded Windies Test series. Rahul, who has scored only one Test hundred in over 18 months, failed to deliver which led the selection panel to opt for a change in form of Rohit Sharma.