Why Rohit Sharma is relishing the opener’s role

Rohit Sharma

Rohit is known to be one of the most talented batsmen to have come to the horizon in a blue jersey. But many believed the youngster was just wasting his talent. Rohit Sharma’s talent for long seemed like God- very few admit to have seen it but a lot of people believed in it with eyes closed.

Coming on the back of some solid years in Ranji Trophy and playing a pivotal hand in Mumbai’s triumphs over the past few years, Rohit Sharma began his international career with a bang, scoring a match winning half century in just his second T20 international and the first he got a chance to bat in. In tough, testing conditions, where most of the players were battling the swing and seam movement on offer for the fast bowlers, Rohit looked at ease and raced to his maiden half-century. He followed it up with a few good innings, playing a handy knock at the fag end of the innings and giving the much needed impetus at the end.

Rohit, in no time, was a part of the ODI team now. He had a particularly good start to his ODI career as well and his knock of 66, playing alongside Sachin to win India the CB Series final in 2007 made him an instant hero, if there was any bit left. He was now touted to take the World by the storm and forced most critics and pundits to bank on him as the next big thing and one of the finest young cricketers going around.

They say, with success comes greater responsibilities and handling it is not everybody’s cup of tea. Rohit too seemed to shy away from this cup of tea and slowly went toward a downslide. Rohit, batting at No. 5, 6, 7 did not help India’s cause one-bit and was lost in the light of youngsters like Kohli and Raina.

It was just his talent and the faith of MS Dhoni that kept him in the side despite huge criticism. His performances were rather forgettable and made no sport for him to be the first choice for his position.

Shorlty after, Rohit exploded in the IPL with Deccan Chargers and made people to believe in his abilities and talent once again. And he was an unquestioned part of the Indian setup again. But this seemed to be another miracle that helps people believe in the existence of god.

Slowly, his performances fell and albeit he was sizzling in the IPL, critics were against him being an International material owing to his laid back and relaxed attitude. It seemed Sharma was taking his place for granted and there needed to be a price put on it.

India despite being a bowler short, persisted with Sharma and that went on to be the reason behind India’s poor showing in quite a few matches.

Then came 2013 and a new role for Rohit Sharma. Just as the role, the man too seemed to be a new one. With seven fifties and a big hundred, Rohit seems to be relishing the new role and a fresh beginning.

The very reason that comes to mind is the time he gets to bat. Someone wise once said, get your best batsmen out to play the maximum overs. Technically the most gifted man in the Indian setup got that and he just proved the wise man even wiser.

Opening the innings allows Rohit to get in and then build on his innings, the very was he likes to do it. The partner in Shikhar Dhawan also helps his cause with the Delhi man taking most of the risks and playing extravagant shots. This gives Rohit to play his game and just keep the strike rotating.

Another comforting factor for Rohit is the line-up to follow. When you have the likes of Kohli, Dhoni Yuvraj and Raina to follow, you won’t be too considerate about the scoring rate.

To put it in a nutshell, the more time to spend on the pitch and play his game has actually helped Rohit excel in the role, contrary to the number 5, 6, 7 where Rohit was asked to go out and attack from the outset, barring a few games where a collapse propelled him to stay longer and build the innings, where he did well on occasions.