I don’t mind looking ugly at times as long as I can get the job done for the team: Rohit Sharma

Back in 2019, Rohit Sharma’s Test career was in the doldrums after he failed to score runs in the middle-order following his debut in 2013. But after he was sent to open the batting against South Africa, his career in the longer format took a turn. Two years later, the 34-year-old Rohit has been able to translate his ODI and T20I form into Test cricket as well.

On Saturday, the Nagpur-born notched his maiden overseas Test ton after he scored 127 in India’s second innings of their fourth Test against England at the Kennington Oval in London. Speaking on opening the batting in Test cricket, Rohit said that it was a big risk he took two years ago. The veteran mentioned that he was at a ‘make-or-break’ stage in his Test career.

Mentally, I was ready to take up the challenge: Rohit Sharma

“You could say so in the hindsight. In the back of my mind, I knew this was my last chance as well trying another position in the batting order,” Rohit was quoted as saying at the end of the third day’s play.

“When the offer came to me, I was very much aware of it as there were talks within the management about opening the innings at some stage. Mentally, I was ready to take up the challenge and see how I can do well up the order,” he stated.

“That (about it being his last opportunity) was my feeling. I don’t know about others because the team management told me that I will have a long run. But I wanted to think in a way that this is it.”

“I don’t mind looking ugly at times as long as I can get the job done for the team. That is very crucial,” Rohit added.

In the third day’s play, Rohit’s ton made sure that India amassed a second innings lead of 171 with seven wickets in hand. To start with, he stitched together a partnership of 83 runs with KL Rahul for the opening wicket.

Thereafter, his 153-run partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara guided India to safer shores. Rohit hit 14 fours and one six during his knock before Ollie Robinson got rid of him.