Whenever the opportunity has come his way, Mumbai batsman Rohit Sharma has impressed all with his temperament and classic strokeplay.
Whenever the opportunity has come his way, Mumbai batsman Rohit Sharma has impressed all with his temperament and classic strokeplay
MUMBAI: It is difficult to prove yourself when you aren’t given enough opportunity. However, Mumbai batsman Rohit Sharma has proved himself time and again whenever he has been given a chance.
Most recently his elegant half-century in the fifth and the last ODI against Pakistan at Jaipur. And no one will forget his heroic unbeaten 50 against the hosts South Africa in a league match of Twenty20 World Cup. Add to that a crucial 30 not out in the final against Pakistan, which of course, India won.
With India already sealing the 5-match series in Gwalior, the think tank decided to test the bench strength in the last ODI at Jaipur. Rohit again came up with the goods.
“I had to prove myself in this game and this was the best opportunity for me to score,” he told DNA a day after he returned from Jaipur.
“At a time when there is so much competition, youngsters are scoring regularly in domestic matches, you cannot let these opportunities slip from your hands,” said the 20-year-old.
At the same time Rohit regretted he could not score his maiden ton despite having ample time in hand.
“I am happy as well as disappointed. Happy because I scored my career’s maiden half century and disappointed that I could not convert it into a hundred which would have been more fruitful for me as well as for my team.”
The Borivali lad admitted that he mistimed Shoaib Malik which ended in a simple catch at long-on. “I tried to chip the ball for a single, but it went straight in the air and into the hands of the fielder. I did not middle the ball properly and I regret that shot,” he said.
When reminded about the effortless shot he hit off Pakistan seamer Iftikhar Anjum, which went into the stands, Rohit said, “I just timed the ball well, his pace did rest. It is easy to hit seamers because you just need to time the ball and you will get runs,” he said.
Despite being in the team for six months, Rohit has managed to play only four one day international games, however, he says it’s a learning opportunity for him sharing the dressing room with experienced players.
“It’s a great learning experience. Sachin, Sourav and Dravid have always been supportive and are always ready to teach whenever I approach them."
“Especially Sachin. He has been my role model since I was a kid. I love watching him bat whenever I get the opportunity. Even when he is batting in the nets I stand close by watching him. He has been my inspiration,” he added.
Sharma is not a satisfied man and also wants himself to be in the Test reckoning. “My goal is to perform in the Ranji Trophy games consistently and there you need lots of patience in the four-day matches. I want score big runs there and get myself in the test reckoning which will not only help me but my team as well.”
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