New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan said that Rohit Sharma’s name will be etched in the history of Indian cricket if he manages to beat South Africa.
Rohit, who took a break from the white-ball series against South Africa, will return to action with the Indian skipper in the two-Test series starting on December 26.
India have never won a Test series in South Africa and Pathan believes Rohit can be a ‘history maker’.
“If Rohit Sharma can beat South Africa, his name will remain at the top of Indian cricket history as a captain and a fielder because he is the only one who has the key to winning these two matches. He is the opener and the captain. If you play with the new ball, the other batsmen will get a chance to shine,” he said. Pathan to Star Sports: “This is why you have to take the shine off the new ball.”
He went on to say that there will be heavy reliance on Rohit and Virat Kohli during the Test series. However, Pathan also advised Rohit to play well against the new ball, score runs and take the team forward
Rohit scored 678 runs at an average of 42.37 in nine Tests against the Proteas.
He prepared perfectly and batted amazingly in the Test series when he went to England. I feel you will see Rohit Sharma preparing with the same passion before his departure. Rohit’s challenge will be to play with the new ball, score his runs and take his team forward. We have two big brothers in this team, Rohit and Virat Kohli. He added that there will be heavy reliance on both.