As the ICC World Test Championship continues, India is gearing up for a five-game Test series at home against England. Rohit Sharma enters this series in great form after a standout performance against Afghanistan, where his record-breaking fifth T20I century led his team to a thrilling win. With five critical red-ball matches on the horizon, Sunil Gavaskar believes it is essential for Rohit to spearhead the attack from the front.
India is set to host England for a five-match Test series in the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. India’s premier opener Rohit Sharma regained his top form in the recently concluded Afghanistan series. The Indian captain scored a record fifth T20I century to help his side win the double Super Over thriller against Afghanistan. With five red-ball matches looming as India’s next major assignment, former legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar wants Rohit to lead the Asian giants from the front.
The cricketing legend argues that a confident Rohit Sharma is the key to giving India a solid foundation against England. Gavaskar pointed back to Rohit's masterful century in Chennai as a blueprint for success, highlighting his ability to navigate spin-heavy pitches. He believes that by replicating that level of play, Rohit can set the tone for the entire innings.
A consistent performance from the opener would not only give India a flying start but also make the job much easier for the middle-order specialists. Additionally, Gavaskar noted that Rohit's captaincy will be tested in how he manages his bowling attack. He specifically mentioned that in Hyderabad, where turn can be limited, the captain's strategy will be vital if England manages to put up a strong score before the first break.
Rohit has a solid home record against Ben Stokes' side, accumulating 747 runs across nine Tests with an average of 49.80. The series kicks off this Thursday, January 25, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.