Rohit Sharma reveals how he finally cracked the code of Test cricket
Indian opener Rohit Sharma has revealed how he finally managed to crack the longest format of the game. Sharma has long been regarded as one of the finest-ever players in ODI and T20I cricket. But his career in Test cricket had come to a standstill, with opportunities hard to come by.
But moving him up the order to open the innings has so far proven to be a masterstroke by the team management. Against South Africa, Sharma managed to score a massive 529 runs at an average of 132.25. He has formed a formidable partnership with Mayank Agarwal at the top with India now appearing to be a much more settled unit.
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Rohit in an interview with PTI revealed that the reason for a sudden upturn in form was a clarity in his thought process.
“Honestly speaking, I stopped thinking about Test matches a long time back. Earlier, I was thinking too much about success in Tests. I would go overboard as to why is this happening, why am I playing that shot. After each Test innings, I would go to our video analyst, sit, watch and then confuse (clutter) my brain further. That wasn’t actually the right thing that I was doing.”
Tour of Australia the turning point
Rohit would then state that the turning point came during India’s tour of Australia. There was a clear shift in mindset as he decided to concentrate on enjoying the game instead of fretting over his technique.
“Thinking too much about technique was not allowing me to enjoy the game. So, before 2018-19 Australia series, I told myself ‘Boss whatever has to happen will happen and I am not going to think about technique’ At the end of the day, I want to go out there, share a laugh with my mates and enjoy.”
The 32-year old finally credited his wife and daughter for the mental space which he currently found himself in.
“I am a different Rohit in terms of how I think. I am in such a great space in my life because of the family that I have — my wife (Ritika) and daughter (Samaira). I am not worried about what others are talking.”
