Leading the batting charge of the hosts in the series opener of the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Friday, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma slammed a sensational century against Pat Cummins' Australia at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. The veteran Indian skipper achieved a massive feat on Day 2 of the 1st Test against Australia. Mighty impressed with Rohit's batting masterclass, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri lauded the senior batter as the senior batter has etched his name in the history books.
Playing only his fourth match as the Test captain of the Virat Kohli-starrer side, senior batter Rohit notched up a brilliant century before all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel propelled Team India to 321/7 at Stumps on Day 2 in Nagpur. Shastri, who was on commentary duty during the series opener, credited Rohit and Jadeja for extending India's dominance on a turning Nagpur pitch.
"I think that the partnership between Jadeja and Rohit came at the right time for India. I think they both realised the importance of that partnership. And you could see Rohit, even after getting to his hundred, it was as if he was taking fresh guard, and starting all over again. And Jadeja has improved over the years, he believes in himself and he is a useful contributor lower down the order whenever he is needed," Shastri told Star Sports.
Rohit slammed his ninth Test century to achieve a historic feat in international cricket. The star batter has become the first Indian skipper to slam centuries in all three formats of the game. Rohit completed the historic feat on his 171st delivery with a boundary during one of Todd Murphy's overs. Rohit has joined Babar Azam, Faf du Plessis and Tillakaratne Dilshan on the list of batters to register centuries across all formats as captain.
{{/usCountry}}Rohit slammed his ninth Test century to achieve a historic feat in international cricket. The star batter has become the first Indian skipper to slam centuries in all three formats of the game. Rohit completed the historic feat on his 171st delivery with a boundary during one of Todd Murphy's overs. Rohit has joined Babar Azam, Faf du Plessis and Tillakaratne Dilshan on the list of batters to register centuries across all formats as captain.
{{/usCountry}}"It's a tribute to his footwork, his temperament and skill. He has played with his wrists, played late and he is never coming hard at the ball. He has played with soft hands. A great example of how to bat on this pitch. Because of the time he has, he can play both spin and pace with good effect. And when he wants to hit, he can go big," Shastri added.
Rohit has six centuries under his belt as the leader of the Indian side. The 35-year-old has smashed three centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and two in T20Is. As an opener, Rohit has registered 38 centuries for India across all formats. The star batter scored 120 off 212 balls as India managed to take a 144-run lead over Australia on Friday.