Rohit Sharma's success in the role of an opener has given a new lease of life to his international career and the promising batsman believes that the current run of form has been ‘the best and most satisfying phase’ since he donned India colours.
‘From the point of view of consistency, this has certainly been the best phase as an international cricketer. I am enjoying my new role as an opener. That I have been successful and my contribution has helped the team's cause makes it even more satisfying. I am hoping to keep up the good work,’ Sharma said on Monday.
In the 12 matches since he was asked to open, the talented 26-year-old Mumbaikar has scored five half-centuries apart from two near-50 scores and Sharma attributes it to the sound technique that he possesses.
‘I was always confident about my technique. The opener's job is specialized one but I always knew that I could hold my own if I am given an opportunity at the top of the order. Also I have opened a couple of times in T20's for India, so it wasn't an entirely new experience,’ said Sharma, who scored a match-winning 83 against England in Mohali, on his maiden appearance as an opener.
On his own admission, the offer to open the innings came suddenly to him. ‘I wasn't exactly surprised but I knew that it would be challenging. But when challenges are thrown at you, you should go for it. The innings of 83 against England wasn't the best but it proved to be a morale booster for me,’ concluded Sharma.