IND vs SA | It is time for Rohit Sharma to open the batting in Test cricket, says Gautam Gambhir

As a matter of fact, Rohit has scored 1,585 runs at an average of 39.62 with three hundreds and 10 fifties but was never able to settle his place in the squad. He was tried at No.3, No.4, No.5 but everything fell apart because he never got the long rope that many of his teammates have enjoyed. With the opening being his new position in Test cricket, this could be the Rohit's last chance in Tests. On being asked about it, Gambhir supported the idea by saying KL Rahul has been given a longer run and the time is perfect for him to open with Rohit.

"Kohli was very good in the last World Cup but he has a long way to go. He captains so well in international cricket because he has got Rohit Sharma and had MS Dhoni for a long time. Captaincy credentials are noticed when you are leading a franchise when you do not have other players supporting you," Gambhir said.

2007's 50-Over World Cup was one of the darkest chapters in Indian cricket history, with India being ousted from the group stage by losing to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Gambhir was not a part of that World Cup but when he made it to the final 15 for the T20 World Cup later that year, he ensured he left a big mark and brought home the man of the tournament award.

"In 2007, when I missed the 50-over World Cup, that was the lowest moment in my cricketing career. Before that, I had missed both U-14 and U-19 World Cups. In 2007, I thought I was the closest to play the World Cup, but when they did not include me in the squad, I had given up on cricket," Gambhir said.