Rohit Sharma's Transformation: How Ravi Shastri Reshaped His Test Career

Rohit Sharma's Rise as a Test Opener

In 2019, Ravi Shastri noticed that Rohit Sharma was feeling "bored" while batting in the middle order. As the head coach at the time, he decided to promote Rohit to the top of the batting order, a strategic move that significantly altered the trajectory of Rohit's career in Test cricket.

Shastri took on the role of India's head coach in 2017 and continued until 2021, during which Rohit emerged as one of India's most formidable Test openers.

"When he batted at four or five, he seemed disinterested. I began to wonder why he excelled in one-day formats. He thrives on being out there early," Shastri explained in an interview with ICC Review.

"If he could face the quick bowlers early, he would have ample time to play his shots. With the field up, Test cricket could be a delightful experience for him if he embraced it," he added.

Recently, Rohit announced his retirement from Test cricket after an impressive career that included 67 matches, 4,301 runs, 12 centuries, and 18 half-centuries.

Shastri recalled considering the idea of using Rohit as an opener during the 2019 World Cup, where he scored five centuries and topped the run charts with 648 runs at an average of 81.

He discussed this strategy with then-captain Virat Kohli, and Rohit quickly proved his worth by scoring two centuries in his debut Test as an opener against South Africa.

"He had enough experience batting at five and six, but he was inconsistent. I thought it was time to challenge him by moving him up the order. I remember telling him in the West Indies that we wanted him to open," Shastri said.

This decision was made in August 2019, following a successful World Cup campaign. Rohit was in great form and seemed open to the idea.

In his first Test match as an opener, he scored a significant century and never looked back, enjoying his new role immensely.

Shastri noted that Rohit dedicated considerable effort to refining his technique, particularly focusing on using soft hands, which contributed to his success as an opener.

"He figured it out, and I must say, his best performances came in England, where he had to adapt his style and play with soft hands, often leaving the ball. His hard work paid off, and he started setting up games for the team," Shastri concluded.