India’s dominance in Test cricket continued as they registered a resounding 2-0 clean sweep against Bangladesh in the recently concluded two-match series. The second Test in Kanpur, despite being rain-hit, witnessed a stellar performance from Team India, who chased down a target of 95 with seven wickets in hand on Day 5.
The victory marked India’s 18th consecutive Test series win at home, a testament to their unwavering dominance on home soil. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Indian team has scaled new heights, with Sharma himself attributing his success to the support of former head coach Ravi Shastri and star batter Virat Kohli.
In a recent interview with renowned commentator Jatin Sapru, Sharma revealed that Shastri and Kohli played a pivotal role in his transformation as an opening batter in Test cricket. He described it as his “second birth” in the format.
“In the second innings, I was very grateful to Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli for giving me the opportunity to bat up the order,” Sharma said. “It wasn’t an easy decision to promote me in Tests. They trusted me. They asked me to play one practice match, which I did. I got out on the very first ball, but I realized that I didn’t have any other choice. It felt like a second birth in Test cricket. I knew I had to grab this opportunity.”
Sharma’s gratitude towards Shastri and Kohli stems from their unwavering belief in his abilities. Despite his initial struggles as an opener, they encouraged him to play his natural game and not succumb to the pressure of survival.
“My response to them was clear: I’ll play my natural game and won’t take the pressure of trying to survive. I’m going to play freely. If the ball is there, whether it’s the first ball of the Test or not, I’m going to hit it. They gave me the freedom to do what I wanted,” Sharma added.
Shastri’s eagerness for Sharma to open in Tests dates back to 2015, but the decision ultimately rested with the team management. However, with the support of Shastri and Kohli, Sharma has flourished in his new role, becoming one of the most prolific openers in Test cricket.
Following the successful completion of the Test series, India will face Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series, commencing on October 6 in Gwalior.
