Rohit Sharma reveals his mantra after twin tons against SA
What's the story
Indian cricket team's senior batsman Rohit Sharma was the chief architect in helping the side to a 203-run victory against South Africa in the first Test of the ongoing three-match series. Rohit slammed 176 in the first innings and then smashed 127 in his maiden Test as an opener. Rohit revealed his mantra in this new role as an opener. Here's more.
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Rohit was superb in his maiden Test as an opener
Prior to this Test, Rohit had a start-stop career in the longest format and batted in the middle order for 27 matches. The 32-year-old, who is a celebrated opener in limited-overs, showed he can be successful in Test cricket as well. He started of cautiously and then freed his arms once set. Rohit was aggressive in nature and played his natural game.
Job
'My job here is to play in a certain manner'
Rohit also said the team expects him to play in a certain manner and that's what he is going to try. "My job here is to play in a certain manner, that's what they expect me. And I'm going to try to do that," he said while receiving his man-of-the-match award. He added opening in the longer format didn't come as a surprise.
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It's my game to mix caution with aggression: Rohit
Rohit, who slammed a record-breaking 13 sixes in the match, said he mixed caution with aggression and that was his mantra for success. "Everything depends on the situation you're batting in. It's my game to mix caution with aggression, that's been my mantra," he said.
Views
I wouldn't say it was a surprise: Rohit on opening
"A couple of years ago it was communicated to me that I might open someday. Even in the nets, I used to practice with the new ball. I wouldn't say it was a surprise," said the 32-year-old. He also thanked the management for the chance. "It's a great opportunity for me atop. I'm thankful for the chance, considering I've never done that before."
Information
Rohit has found an able partner in Mayank
Rohit has also found an able partner in the form of Mayank Agarwal. The latter has quickly established himself as India's main opening batsman in a quick span of time. The duo added a record-breaking 317 runs in the first innings. Mayank scored 215.