Legendary Sunil Gavaskar reckons the South Africa Tests are a big opportunity for Rohit Sharma to make up for World Cup loss. Rohit scored 597 runs in 11 matches of the World Cup 2023 at an average of 54.27 and a blistering strike rate of 125.95. The talisman scored three fifties and one century in the ODI showpiece.

Rohit played with an aggressive approach throughout the mega event and played a key role in taking India to the final of the tournament. But the home team could not cross the final hurdle against Australia.

Meanwhile, after the conclusion of the World Cup, Rohit was once again rested from Australia T20Is. Furthermore, he requested rest from the limited-overs leg against South Africa however he will lead in the two-match Test series.

“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were really at the peak of their powers in the last 6-8 months. Like Jacques Kallis said, Rohit Sharma is going to be key for India in the Test series. Rohit Sharma will have a big role to play to set up the No. 3,4,5. Whatever happens, this is Rohit Sharma’s opportunity to make up for the World Cup final loss,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

In 52 Test matches, Rohit has amassed 3677 runs at an impressive average of 46.54 and he has been at his absolute best in the last few years in the red-ball version.

Rohit will look to give a solid start to India along with Shubman Gill in the two Test matches against the Proteas. India has never won a Test series on South African soil and they will aim to create history.

The first Test match between India and South Africa will be played at the SuperSport Park, Centurion from December 26.