“This is the best phase for me in international cricket,” says the Indian opener, Rohit Sharma. He has played some impressive knocks in the last one month or so but hasn’t been able to convert them into big ones. But the 26-year-old, Mumbaikar is still happy with the kind of performance he has been able to deliver for his team on the consistent basis and want to continue with his brilliant run.
Sharma’s track record as an opener speaks volume of his talent as he had smashed five half-centuries apart from two near-50 scores in the last 12 outings and he gives credit to sound techniques that he carries. He was quoted by DNA saying, "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 started his stint as an opener earlier this year against the England team who visited for five-match ODI series. His first match as an opener was at Mohali where he played a match winning innings of 86 runs.
He was quoted by Hindustan Times saying, "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."
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 then in life, when challenges are thrown at you, you should believe in your instincts and go for it. The innings of 83 against England wasn't the best but certainly an effort that proved to be a morale booster for me," added Sharma.
Sharma has amassed 2459 runs in 98 ODIs with two centuries and 17 half-centuries and with the introduction of two new balls into play he finds that it’s all together a different challenge than what he had faced earlier on. "The opener's role with two new balls coming into play has changed. It's no longer going after the bowling from the word 'go'. There are a few shots which should be avoided during the initial overs", he said.