Rohit Sharma has an incredible record in India. He has scored 2002 runs in 36 innings at an average close to 67, with eight centuries and six half-centuries. One of the main reasons for these numbers has been his ability to play well against the spinners. Rohit Sharma has never had it easy in his cricketing career. He started first-class cricket as an off-spinner and then became a middle-order batter. It took some time for him to cement his place in the white ball format.
It took him six more years after he entered the ODI and T20 teams to make it to the red-ball team. His career took off after he started playing as an opener for the Indian team. Rohit Sharma is now the opener in all the formats for India.
One reason for his success in the Test match format has been his ability to play the spinners well. As an opener, he faces the seamers and fast bowlers in the first play session. The spinners are brought into action after the ball loses a bit of its shine. Visiting teams with more than one spinner have a better chance of success.
Dangerous Rohit Sharma on rank turners
While the visiting teams prefer to play with one spinner and keep faith in their pace battery, Indiana batters have done well against them. Rohit Sharma has been an exceptional against spin. He has scored 1113 runs in 1737 balls at an average of 55.6 at a strike rate of 64. Incredible stats for a player.
As India faces off against England, they will look to get him early. The squad has four spinners: Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoain Bashir and Tom Hartley. It will be interesting to see their bowling combination for the Test series.
The 1st Test will be played in Hyderabad, where India has never lost a Test match. They will look to keep their record intact.
“He’s the Don Bradman of turning pitches” – Monty Panesar hails Rohit Sharma’s batting against spin ahead of IND vs ENG Tests while speaking to the Hindustan Times.