Indian former domestic stalwart Wasim Jaffer reckons that Rohit Sharma has the ability to score Test double centuries in overseas conditions. Jaffer feels if Rohit can survive the initial 30-35 minutes of the innings, then he can get a big score as an Test opener. Rohit has already scored three double centuries in ODI format and he scored his maiden double Test century against South Africa.
Rohit had grabbed his chances against South Africa in the home three-match Test series in 2019. The right-hander had scored 529 runs in four innings with the help of three centuries at a staggering average of 132.
Thus, Rohit has shown that he has the skills to succeed as a Test opener. In fact, all the eyes were on Rohit for the tour of New Zealand but he was ruled out of the ODI and Test series after suffering a calf injury in the fifth T20I.
Meanwhile, Wasim Jaffer recalled that Rohit was able to negate the first few overs in the World Cup matches especially in the games against Pakistan and South Africa. The right-hander had given respect to the opposition bowlers and then when he got settled, the runs came easily for him. Rohit was in fine form in the ODI showpiece as he scored 648 runs in nine matches at an average of 81.
The Indian opener has savoured great success as a limited-overs batsman and there is no doubt that he can replicate the same success in the Test fold in overseas conditions. If Rohit can survive in the first hour of the innings, then he can definitely go on to make a big score.
Wasim Jaffer said while talking to Aakash Chopra on YouTube, “I feel in overseas conditions in the first 30-45 minutes he (Rohit Sharma) is a bit vulnerable. I think if he survives that, he has the ability to get double hundreds even there.”
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has scored 2141 runs in 32 Test matches at an average of 46.54. However, the flamboyant batsman doesn’t have a promising record while playing in alienate conditions. The right-hander has failed to make the playing XI consistently on overseas tours and he has scored 816 runs in 18 Test matches at a meagre average of 26.32.
Consequently, Rohit will look to improve his numbers while playing in foreign conditions when India will tour Australia later in the year.
