Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer, who is the highest run-scorer in Ranji Trophy cricket, has a piece of advice for Rohit Sharma on how to survive in foreign lands in Test cricket. Rohit was last year promoted to the opening position before playing as the middle-order batsman in the most extended format. His position was questioned as to the Test opener but he silenced all the debates after scoring centuries in the consecutive innings against South Africa at home.
However, some still doubt that Rohit Sharma may face difficulty to score runs in foreign lands in Tests. But Wasim Jaffer backs Rohit’s skills. He said that the ‘Hitman’ understands his game.
I feel Rohit Sharma understands his game a lot more now: Wasim Jaffer
Citing the Mumbaikar’s performance against South Africa in the World Cup 2019, Jaffer said that Rohit has learned to build his innings according to the condition and situation. Rohit can play defensively as well as can accelerate the innings which according to the veteran will help in Test cricket.
“I feel he understands his game a lot more now. This is not the Rohit Sharma that we have seen before. He knows where he needs to calm down. Even in ODI cricket, if you see the World Cup, the ball was moving around in a few matches and he held back. He held back for 8-10 overs against South Africa and Pakistan,” Jaffer said while talking to Aakash Chopra in the live session.
“Then when he understands that the conditions have become better, he has that ability to accelerate and suddenly his strike rate would go up to 120-130. So, I feel he is in that headspace that he understands where he needs to take a backseat and where he can attack. And he has both the games,” he added.
Wasim Jaffer’s advice to Rohit Sharma:
As India is set to play the four-match Test series against Australia in December, Rohit Sharma will be the key part of the team. To play in foreign conditions, Wasim recommends the 31-year-old to survive for the first half-hour of the innings. He believes that if Rohit is capable of setting himself in that time, he could also score double hundred there.
“I feel in overseas conditions in the first 30-45 minutes he is a bit vulnerable. I think if he survives that, he has the ability to get double hundreds even there,” the former Mumbai and Vidarbha legend said.
Last year, Rohit scored his maiden double century in Test cricket against South Africa at home.