Ian Chappell identifies opening role and captaincy as crucial to Rohit Sharma's Test career resurgence
Rohit Sharma played a masterful knock against Australia in Nagpur Test
According to former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell, Rohit Sharma's career in Test cricket was salvaged by the decision to open the innings for India. Sharma's masterful performance, including a century, helped India win the first match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia by an innings and 132 runs, giving them a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.
In his column on Mid-Day, Chappell claimed that opening the innings saved Sharma's Test career, and that his appointment as captain of the team also played a significant role in his resurgence in the format.
"The move to open in Test cricket saved Rohit's career."
Chappell further suggested that the move to open the innings prevented the Mumbai born cricketer from being overshadowed by the popularity of former captain Virat Kohli.
The Australian veteran went on to praise the Indian skipper's performance in the match, stating that he showed a high level of confidence in his defensive abilities, a broad range of strokes, and unwavering discipline on a turning pitch.
India will now take on Australia in the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The match will get underway on Friday, February 17. While the hosts would look to take an unassailable lead, the visitors would look to make a comeback and level the series.
 "Jatin")
