IND v SA | Rohit Sharma has all the shots, but needs to tighten up defence to succeed in Tests, says Sunil Gavaskar

By no means was Viru a textbook Test opener. But then so few revolutionaries ever fit into the orthodox models built up over time. And amid all the debate as to who can end India’s opening conundrum, he backs Rohit to succeed in the most challenging environment.  

"When we talk about Rohit Sharma, he doesn't have the water-tight defence like Virender Sehwag. But he perhaps has more shots than Sehwag. Sehwag would not hit the ball so much on the on-side. Rohit can use the pull and hook very well. So Rohit does have more attacking shots. If he can tighten up his defence against the good balls, he can also be successful like Sehwag in Test cricket," Gavaskar was quoted saying by TimesNowNews.com. 

In hindsight, quite no one really expected Rohit to rack up the consistent string of performances in the ODI format when MS Dhoni pushed him up the order in 2013. Today, he is one of the best ODI batsmen in the world, with 27 centuries and an impressive average of 48.50. Prior to the change, he barely managed 30 runs per innings and only had two centuries. Surprisingly, those numbers are somewhat identical to his Test statistics – an average of 39.60 in 27 matches. To some at least he is too flamboyant a player to open in Test cricketer, but Gavaskar is confident that he can still score well with smart shot selection.

"We know there is a difference between red and white ball. The white ball can stop swinging in five overs. With the kind of stitches on the red leather, you may find it swinging even after the 35 to 40 over mark. So facing up against swing is a different matter and he does struggle a bit against the incoming ball. Having said that, if his shot selection is good, he will be able to score in test cricket too," Gavaskar said. 

Meanwhile, Hanuma Vihari’s impressive run at the Caribbean has nearly shut the door, for the time being at least, for Rohit to make it in the middle-order. The three Tests against South Africa at home, starting from October 2, presents Rohit an easier opportunity to cement his place at the top in the longest format.

"With the way Hanuma Vihari has batted in the middle order, it's difficult to see Rohit Sharma making a comeback in the middle order currently. So this is his best opportunity. We will know after a couple of Test matches. Visakhapatnam and Pune have good wickets. So if he can get one good innings going on these pitches, he could well end up opening in the next two or three years," Gavaskar added.