Captain in Test cricket is a different ball game but Rohit Sharma will be confident after scoring plenty of goals during last year’s Tour of India by England, according to former Indian pacesetter Ajit Agarkar.
Rohit Sharma is poised to lead India in Test cricket for the first time when India take on Sri Lanka in the first of a 2-Test series in Mohali from Friday. Rohit was appointed Test Captain after Virat Kohli resigned from his role following India’s 2-1 defeat by South Africa in January.
While Rohit has established himself as one of the best white ball captains, it remains to be seen how well he will lead the team in white. Until a couple of years ago, Rohit wasn’t sure of his place in the Test squad, but since starting the opening for India in 2019, Rohit has hit a purple spot in the game’s longest format.
Questions have been asked about his performances abroad, but Rohit answered his critics by scoring 368 runs in 4 Tests, including 125 years.
“First of all, it will be a great honor for him. Yes, he has led India for a couple of matches in white ball cricket, not only as a full-time captain but before that,” Agarkar told Star Sports.
“The only thing that will do him good is the streak he had in England. Hitting would have given him a lot of confidence. As a leader, you want to be one of the better players on the team so you can demand things from other people.
“In addition, he has the necessary experience as a captain.”
“FAMILY CONDITIONS WILL HELP ROHIT”
Rohit has big boots to fill as Virat Kohli finished as one of the most successful Test captains in the game’s history, and India’s rise to one of the strongest Test sides, both home and away, is credited to the former skipper’s leadership.
Agarkar believes the Test series against Sri Lanka on home soil is a good start as it will help the new skipper settle into his role.
“Test cricket will be a little different but at least it’s starting in India where the conditions are familiar. India have a very strong squad, I don’t think it will be a problem for him,” added Agarkar.
Remarkably, the first Test against Sri Lanka will also be Kohli’s 100th Test. The BCCI confirmed on Tuesday that 50 fans will be allowed up to 50 percent capacity at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. The 2nd test of the 2-match series will be held in Bengaluru later this month.
