India vs South Africa | Selector’s decision to let Rohit Sharma open Test innings a good one, believes Madan Lal

SportsCafe Desk
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Citing the example of Sir Vivian Richards, Madan Lal has asserted that the Indian selectors have made the right decision in letting Rohit Sharma open the innings for India in Test cricket. Lal also added that South Africa will be under tremendous pressure in the upcoming tour that starts today.

There is no question that Rohit Sharma is a modern day great in the sport of cricket. Rohit holds the records in both of the shorter formats with three double centuries in ODIs and four centuries in T20Is. However, that has not translated to the longest format of the game where the Indian opener has struggled to adapt in the middle order scoring just three centuries in 47 innings. 

Madan Lal, however, believes that Rohit has not been placed in the right spot in the batting order and that is the reason why India have not seen the best of him in Test cricket. He then cited Vivian Richards’ example to justify why Rohit can be successful as an opener.

"It's really good that selectors have given him (Sharma) an opportunity to bat on number one position in Test format. Until you will not try him how will you come to know that he can bat or not? He is a class player," Lal explained, reported ANI.

"I have spoken about him (Sharma) before also that he can be giving an example of Sir Vivian Richards. Look at Richards, he was batting on number five or six but when he got the opportunity to bat on number three, from there he never looked back. Similarly, I feel that Rohit should also perform in Test's opening slot."

Talking about the T20I series, that is scheduled to start today, Lal said that the pressure was solely on the visitors who have endured a rough ride over the last year or so. After a sub-par 2018, South Africa crumbled in the World Cup and finished well outside the semi-final spots which raised a lot of questions about the current calibre of players at their disposal.

"Proteas are under pressure. They are not a very stable team. Actually, they are trying to build the team as they have not done well in the recent past. Also, their thought is to get the chokers tag, off from the team," Lal added.

"But I will say it's T20 format, anything could be happening on the day.... will have to see how rain affects the wicket. If there is too much rain then it may have an effect."

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