NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma always looked poised for greatness ever since he emerged on the scene. Widely regarded as one of the most naturally talented cricketers in the world, his effortless batting style, incredible timing, and ability to play both pace and spin with equal ease always set him apart as an extraordinary talent.
Having proved his talent in white-ball cricket, Rohit was originally set to make his Test debut for India in February 2010 against South Africa in Nagpur.
However, on the morning of the match, he suffered a freak injury while warming up. Rohit twisted his ankle during fielding drills, which ruled him out of the game.
As a result, Wriddhiman Saha was called up as a last-minute replacement, and Rohit’s Test debut was delayed.
That delay went on for more than three years. And not just that, he was also overlooked for the 2011 ODI World Cup that India went on to win at home.
Rohit finally made his Test debut in November 2013 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This was the farewell series for batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who after a record-breaking career spanning 24 years, had announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket and had revealed that the series against the West Indies would be his final appearance for India.
The first Test of the series was at the majestic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, starting November 6, 2013. Tendulkar contributed 10 runs in his only innings, but the focus was on his farewell series rather than individual performances.
And the present Indian captain made his delayed Test debut count by scoring a magnificent hundred (177), marking a strong start to his Test career, as India went on to win by an innings and 51 runs.
Rohit’s 177 was one of the highest scores by an Indian on debut, and it underscored his potential to succeed in the longest format of the game.
The second Test, played at Sachin’s home ground in Mumbai, was his 200th and final Test match. It was an emotional occasion for fans, players, and the cricketing community.
Tendulkar scored a sublime 74 in his final Test innings, but Rohit again went on to hit a hundred – this time an unbeaten 111 as India won by an innings and 126 runs.
Hence a unique moment occurred in Indian cricket history where a legendary career concluded and a new star began to shine.
“I just want to work hard and get that Test cap with my hard work not just if someone is saying that you should play Test cricket or something, I just want to work hard,” Rohit had said before his Test debut.
The coincidence of Tendulkar’s farewell with Rohit’s Test debut marked a symbolic transition. While Indian cricket was bidding farewell to its greatest-ever batsman, Rohit’s entry into Test cricket hinted at the emergence of another extraordinarily gifted player.
Rohit, already successful in limited-overs cricket, showed his ability to adapt to Test cricket, and over the years, he would go on to become one of the key players for India in all formats.
This moment in cricket history was significant, as it represented both the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for Indian cricket.
Having proved his talent in white-ball cricket, Rohit was originally set to make his Test debut for India in February 2010 against South Africa in Nagpur.
However, on the morning of the match, he suffered a freak injury while warming up. Rohit twisted his ankle during fielding drills, which ruled him out of the game.
As a result, Wriddhiman Saha was called up as a last-minute replacement, and Rohit’s Test debut was delayed.
That delay went on for more than three years. And not just that, he was also overlooked for the 2011 ODI World Cup that India went on to win at home.
Rohit finally made his Test debut in November 2013 against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This was the farewell series for batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who after a record-breaking career spanning 24 years, had announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket and had revealed that the series against the West Indies would be his final appearance for India.
The first Test of the series was at the majestic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, starting November 6, 2013. Tendulkar contributed 10 runs in his only innings, but the focus was on his farewell series rather than individual performances.
And the present Indian captain made his delayed Test debut count by scoring a magnificent hundred (177), marking a strong start to his Test career, as India went on to win by an innings and 51 runs.
Rohit’s 177 was one of the highest scores by an Indian on debut, and it underscored his potential to succeed in the longest format of the game.
The second Test, played at Sachin’s home ground in Mumbai, was his 200th and final Test match. It was an emotional occasion for fans, players, and the cricketing community.
Tendulkar scored a sublime 74 in his final Test innings, but Rohit again went on to hit a hundred – this time an unbeaten 111 as India won by an innings and 126 runs.
Hence a unique moment occurred in Indian cricket history where a legendary career concluded and a new star began to shine.
“I just want to work hard and get that Test cap with my hard work not just if someone is saying that you should play Test cricket or something, I just want to work hard,” Rohit had said before his Test debut.
The coincidence of Tendulkar’s farewell with Rohit’s Test debut marked a symbolic transition. While Indian cricket was bidding farewell to its greatest-ever batsman, Rohit’s entry into Test cricket hinted at the emergence of another extraordinarily gifted player.
Rohit, already successful in limited-overs cricket, showed his ability to adapt to Test cricket, and over the years, he would go on to become one of the key players for India in all formats.
This moment in cricket history was significant, as it represented both the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for Indian cricket.
