‘Stunning’ Rohit conjures memories of ‘Viru’ for Shastri
Rohit came into this series having played only two Tests in the last year, but has set the tone for India after a near-perfect opening day for India during which Australia were bundled out for 177 before Rohit’s 56* helped India reach 77/1 by stumps.
Shastri, speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review, said despite talk surrounding other high-profile players it’s Rohit who will be able to “comfort” the dressing room.
Ravi Shastri on Rohit Sharma's form dictating the series | ICC Review
“His record in India as an opening batsman is stunning,” Shastri told The ICC Review before the first Test had even got underway.
“He will dictate terms very early on. I mentioned Ashwin, there'll be a lot of talk of Kohli, there'll be a lot of talk of Pujara. But I think Rohit at the top, if he can set the tone, that'll comfort the dressing room big time.
“But his form can dictate terms in the series, not just because of the runs he'll get, but the pace at which he gets it.”
It is exactly what Rohit did in the final session against the Australian attack. His 56* came off just 69 deliveries, his knock comprising nine fours and a six. It was all in stark contrast to the Australia innings, with the visiting batters struggling to cope with the turn.
“If Rohit stays there, he gets it quickly. He won't allow any bowler to settle,” said Shastri. “Runs will come much like Viruat his best.
“When Virender Sehwag was in form, he made the job for the middle order a lot easier by really taking it to the opposition early on. His role will be that.”
Rohit, who took over as India’s Test captain succeeding Virat Kohli last year, can strengthen his captaincy credentials further should he be able to lead India past Australia in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series, and then to success at the ICC World Test Championship Final in June.
But Shastri does not see it that way.
"I don't think it's a test of his captaincy," Shastri said, when asked about Rohit's credentials as Test captain.
"He's past that. He's a very good captain and he is a smart operator and let's not forget his record in India as an opening batsman is stunning.
Ravi Shastri on Rohit Sharma's captaincy | ICC Review
"Tactically, I have no issues. He'll do the job. He, he knows what to do, when to do it...I don't think he has to prove tactically or anything to anyone as a captain."
Shastri heaped praise on Rohit's captaincy and thinks his ability to read the state of the game and be one step ahead of opposition teams is a trait that stands out.
"I think he is a very good reader of the game," Shastri noted.
"He does his homework. He is very good with his homework. He is very big on, I wouldn't say stats, but with the analyst, he'll work out a lot of things.
"Tactically he knows. When you're a good reader of the game, you're very quick in your thinking when it comes to reading a batter.
"As to which bowler could be the right guy at that moment of time, what's happening with the state of the game."
Shastri thinks Rohit's ability to rotate his bowlers is also an undervalued strength that he possesses.
"Sometimes, just because the ball is turning, you want to keep spinners at both ends going," Shastri said.
"Whereas sometimes you want to break the rhythm of a batter and mix it up – you might want spin, you might want pace at the other end just to mix it up, just to see if there's reverse to bring a guy.
"He's good at all that, when you look at him, he’s tactically smart and all those departments and he's calm, good things may come and composed.
"You won't see him too rattled at all.
"So, I think it's the right man there and he's at the right time in his career.
"He is vastly experienced. He knows what he's up against and what's needed more than anything."