Sunil Gavaskar thinks Rohit and Virat will do very well with the bat in the Test matches between India and South Africa coming up. He expects them to score many runs.
The two teams will contend in two Tests, opening the first match in Centurion on December 26, Tuesday. The seasoned batsmen, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, are absent this series, so Rohit and Kohli will step in. Their task? To set an example for the younger Indian batting team.
In the Star Sports show ‘Follow the Blues’, Gavaskar was asked about his hope for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Test series. Here’s what he said:
“They are experienced batters, who are coming after playing everywhere, so I expect them to score lots of runs in these two Test matches. Not only because they have got so much talent, but this time around, I think the South African attack does not have that edge.”
Sunil Gavaskar
The former India opener went on to say that the absence of Anrich Nortje, as well as the likely absence of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, may aid the duo’s cause:
“With the absence of Nortje, with the likely absence of Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, the South African attack looks a little bit short on experience, I am not saying short of class. So I feel these two batters will score lots of runs and help the Indian team post a big score.”
Sunil Gavaskar
In seven Tests in South Africa, Kohli has 719 runs at an outstanding average of 51.35. Rohit has had less success in the Rainbow Nation, collecting 123 runs in four Tests at a pitiful average of 15.38.
“To get your mental state into a Test match situation” – Sunil Gavaskar on the biggest challenge for Rohit Sharma
When questioned about the primary hurdle for Rohit Sharma as a player and leader facing the series, Sunil Gavaskar offered his thoughts:
“First and foremost, the challenge would be to get your mental state into a Test match situation.
“He has been batting in the ODI format where he had decided that he was going to be playing the attacking role and try and score as many runs as possible in the first 10 overs of field restrictions.”
Sunil Gavaskar
The former player, now commentating, mentioned that the Indian leader must adjust the strong tactics he employed in the World Cup:
“He will have to change the approach completely for Test cricket because he will have to think in terms of batting the whole day.
“If he bats the whole day, then, clearly with the range of shots that he has got, he will be able to end up with 180 or 190 not out at the end of the day and India will be 300-plus.”
Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar stated that when a batting captain, such as Rohit, makes runs, he gains confidence in leading the team.