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“Rohit has been fantastic this year”: VVS Laxman

By Mumbai Indians

Ever since Rohit Sharma started opening in Tests, he has put the questions of his doubters to rest about whether he is fit for the position or not. While he started off with two centuries in a single match in his very first Test as an opener in Visakhapatnam against South Africa, his last Test appearance saw a Player of the Match worthy 127 in England, his first overseas Test century.

Former Indian great VVS Laxman had some Very Very Special words for the Hitman on his Test opening skills. After the Oval Test and Rohit Sharma’s brilliance, which came after years of patience and constantly being told that he wasn’t meant to be a red ball opener, Laxman has some stark observations to make about the batter.

“Remarkable Rohit Sharma”

Laxman first elaborated about how, despite this game being one where everyone stood up and played their part, Rohit’s contribution was remarkable. “Almost every player without exception had a hand in shaping the destination of the fourth Test.”

“India were in a hole at 127 for seven, put in on day one, when the first hero emerged in the shape of Shardul Thakur. As the match progressed, several others stood up and asked to be counted, not least, the remarkable Rohit Sharma,” Laxman said.

“He has been fantastic this year”

Laxman further explained Rohit’s rise as a Test opener saying, “In his evolution as a Test opener, it is a terrific lesson for those aspiring for a successful career in any chosen field. One of the all-time greats in white-ball formats, Rohit has committed to establishing himself as a Test batsman.”

“He has been fantastic this year, and the second-innings hundred, his first away from home, will remain his most cherished. Since embracing the opening role two years back, Rohit has put his attacking instincts on the backburner overseas, batting out of character without looking out of sync,” Laxman further added.

A praise for  the bowlers

While England were just two down before lunch on the final day, victory looked very much in sight for the hosts. That is until Jasprit Bumrah, aided by Shradul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja, pulled things back for India dramatically.

“Jasprit Bumrah’s post-lunch spell on the final day, easily the spell of the series by an Indian bowler, broke the Test wide open, exemplifying the value he brings to the side. The last day, however, wasn’t just about Bumrah. Ravindra Jadeja did everything and more that was asked of him, Umesh Yadav capped off an excellent return to Test cricket by cleaning up the lower order, and Thakur complemented his two fifties with the crucial wicket of Joe Root,” Laxman elaborated.

The former Indian cricketer is clearly pleased with the team’s performance of late in Tests. And why not? Scripting dramatic comebacks after big losses and winning the series has become a norm for the new Team India now.