In a tale of sacrifice and opportunity, Virat Kohli’s decision in 2016 to change his own batting position to accommodate Rohit Sharma in the playing XI has proved to be a turning point in Indian cricket. Fast forward to 2023, and Rohit Sharma is now the captain of the Indian Test cricket team. This article explores Kohli’s selfless act, the subsequent challenges faced by Rohit, and his remarkable journey to becoming the leader of the Indian team.
In 2016, Rohit Sharma was not a regular member of Team India’s Test squad, while Virat Kohli was establishing himself as one of the premier batsmen in the world. Kohli made the difficult decision to alter his own batting position, moving up to number 3, to accommodate Rohit in the playing XI for the third Test against West Indies. This meant dropping Cheteshwar Pujara from the team and reshuffling the batting order.
Kohli’s decision was driven by Rohit’s exceptional form and his ability to influence Test matches. Despite the change, Rohit’s contributions in that Test were modest with scores of 9 and 41. Nevertheless, India emerged victorious, winning the Test by 237 runs and clinching the series 2-0.
Following the 2016 series, Rohit Sharma faced a challenging period where he remained an irregular member of the Test team for the next three years. Despite his exceptional form in limited-overs cricket, Rohit struggled to secure a permanent spot in the Test squad. He faced setbacks and missed opportunities, including being on the bench for both Test matches against West Indies in 2019, despite his stellar performance in the 2019 World Cup, where he scored five centuries.
However, the tides turned in 2019 when Rohit Sharma was finally given the opportunity to open the batting in Test cricket during the tour of West Indies. Rohit seized the chance with both hands, excelling in the role and making it his own. His performances as an opener were stellar, and he proved his mettle by consistently scoring big runs.
Rohit Sharma’s rise as a Test opener added a new dimension to the Indian batting lineup. His ability to dominate sessions and play long innings made him a valuable asset. His impressive performances silenced the critics and cemented his place in the Test squad.
Now, in 2023, Rohit Sharma returns to the West Indies as the captain of the Indian Test cricket team. His journey from being an irregular member of the team to leading the national side is a testament to his perseverance, skill, and determination. Rohit’s captaincy role presents a fresh chapter in his career, where he will be responsible for leading the team’s fortunes and furthering Indian cricket’s success.
