Rohit Sharma- the blistering opener of the Indian Cricket Team and one of the greatest batsmen of this generation ended the year of 2019 as the cricketer with the highest number of runs in the One Day International format. However, the Test debutant of 2013 had some trouble getting accustomed to the format. However, the Mumbai Indians captain speaks the method that helped him gain momentum in Test cricket.
Speaking at a personal interview session with the Press Trust of India, Rohit Sharma recalled his 12 year long journey on the 22 yards, since his ODI and T20 debuts back in 2007.
“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,” Rohit told PTI.
The current vice captain and a legendary limited overs player, the only thing that was stopping Rohit from achieving glory in the Test format was nothing but overthinking about the very hunger for success.
The 32 year old continued: “Thinking too much about technique was not allowing me to enjoy the game. All that was there in my mind was ‘Oh I need to do well in Test cricket’. 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'”
Following the departure of Team India’s legendary opener Virender Sehwag, Rohit grabbed the first chance to prove himself as a Test opener, and scored a double century against South Africa. Unfortunately, bad spells followed, and followed harsh criticism.
But, the Mumbaiker didn’t let the reprimands get the better of himself: “You can’t allow negative thoughts to creep in when you are playing such a high profile sport,” he continued: “I know that I am no longer 22 or 23 years old that I will keep getting opportunities in Test matches and can take my place for granted.”
Despite a lackluster performance in his last red ball game against Bangladesh, Rohit Sharma had a marvellous spell in the South Africa series back in October 2019. Two brilliant knocks of 176 and 127 in the first test, and a swashbuckling 212 runs in the third test.
“I know that every time I go out there, I have to put a high price tag on my wicket. I am blessed to get an opportunity that many are waiting for. So, why should I regret worry or think about so many things?” Rohit added.
India will be touring New Zealand in their upcoming Test series in February.
Also read-
Rohit Sharma reacts to ending 2019 as player with most ODI runs
Jasprit Bumrah reveals the secret to send Steve Smith to the pavilion!
