My best in Tests is yet to come: Rohit Sharma

It’s the T20 season with the Indian Premier League (IPL) in progress and the World Cup of the shortest format in-store. Given this, the cricket romantics will be mighty pleased with the views of Rohit Sharma who is one of the stars of the limited-overs format and the longest format of the game and his plans for it. 

Speaking at an event organised by Adidas titled ‘Impossible is nothing’ focusing on sustainability for three causes – Save the Rhinos, Save the Corals and Plastic Free Oceans. The discussion began with him narrating his concerns on climate change and how each one of us could make a difference.  

As the discussion moved to cricket, not surprisingly the topic was the recently concluded Test series in England. When posed with the question that if he considered the tour to England as one of his milestones, Sharma said, “It was a good one based on where I was standing in my Test cricket before that. But I wouldn’t say that this was my best. I know my best is yet to come in Test cricket. That’s how I would like to think.”

Well, with 368 runs in four Tests at an average of over 50, he was India’s highest run-getter in the series. The only batsman from either side who scored more than him was the English skipper Joe Root. Sharma’s fine run had included a match-winning century in the fourth Test at Oval. Given his away average of 27 prior to the England series, the batting exhibited by him was a welcome change. It was also his first Test century outside India, and I am sure he would like to add to that with every outing. 

“For me, it was a great challenge and I thought I overcame it pretty well”

Acknowledging the fact that it wasn’t easy, he explained, “For me, it was a great challenge and I thought I overcame it pretty well. I had done a lot of preparation and utilized the time well.” It did not only require technical adjustments but also a change in mindset. “I somehow managed to do that and I was pretty happy with how I played on that tour” the 34-year-old batting star further elaborated. 

“I think in my eyes we have won the series 2-1”

Not just for him, it was an excellent tour for the Indian team as well. With the scoreline at 2-1 due to the cancellation of the last Test, the verdict on the series is not yet out. Sharma was quick to comment on the confusion and said, “I don’t know what has happened with the last Test match whether we have won the series, or we are going to play that one-off Test match later. I think in my eyes we have won the series 2-1. That’s how I would like to look at it.”

Now, irrespective of whatever the final decision is, Sharma and the rest of the team can be proud of their achievements. The best part is that he is not resting on his laurels and wants to carry the confidence from here for future Tests as well. These lines will be music to the ears of Indian cricket fans. For, an in-form Sharma is one of the most pleasing sights on the cricket field currently. 

With the belief that he has and being in line with Adidas' motto, Indian cricket fans would just hope that ‘Impossible is nothing’ as far as hitman’s batting is concerned.