We will consider Rohit Sharma as Test opener, reveals MSK Prasad
Indian chief selector MSK Prasad has stated that the committee might look to include Rohit Sharma in the Test set-up and promote him as an opener in light of the string of dismal performances by KL Rahul. He also praised Hanuma Vihari and Ajinkya Rahane for their remarkable performances.
Even though India managed to win the Test series 2-0 in the recently-concluded Caribbean tour, the flaws were easily evident and require immediate attention to solidify the team for future matches. The biggest concern came in the form of the opening pair, which failed to put up a single 50-run partnership. Even though Mayank Agarwal did manage to get a half-century to his name, KL Rahul flattered to deceive, as VVS Laxman put it, which adds to his poor run of form in recent tours.
"KL (Rahul) is definitely a great talent. Of course, he is going through a bit tough time in Test cricket. We are definitely concerned about his form. He needs to spend more time on the wicket and regain his touch and form," MSK Prasad, chairman of the national selection committee, told India Today in an exclusive interview.
However, this opens up the possibility of trying Rohit Sharma as an opener in Tests. Originally a middle-order batsman across formats, he was promoted up the innings in 2013 and has since gone on to become one of the best ODI batsmen of the era, with a record three double centuries to his name. However, in Tests, he has remained down the rungs and his performances have been underwhelming for most parts, failing to emulate his lethal form in white-ball cricket.
"As selection committee, we haven't met after the conclusion of the West Indies tour. We will definitely take this [Rohit as opener] point into consideration when we all meet and discuss about it," Prasad added.
An opportunity will be even harder to come by for him in the middle-order considering the excellent displays put on by Hanuma Vihari against the West Indies. Ajinkya Rahane too seemed to have got back his golden touch, scoring two half-centuries as well as a century. Apart from the two, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli have cemented their place in the line-up as one of the best batsmen in the format in the world.
"In the longer format, we have seen solid performances from young Vihari. He was clearly the stand out performer in this series apart from Bumrah, who was outstanding with the ball. I am also very happy with the form of Ajinkya Rahane because he is very crucial for the success of Indian team in this format," he signed off on the matter.