If Rohit Sharma is able to conquer South Africa, his name will be kept top-most in India’s cricket history as captain and player – Irfan Pathan

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels if Rohit Sharma is able to conquer South Africa, his name will be kept top-most in India’s cricket history as captain and player. India is yet to win a Test series on the South African soil and Rohit Sharma will look to create history.

Rohit scored 597 runs in 11 matches of the World Cup 2023 at an average of 54.27 and a blistering strike rate of 125.95. The talisman scored three fifties and one century in the ODI showpiece and he would want to carry the good show in Test matches.

In 52 Test matches, Rohit has amassed 3677 runs at an impressive average of 46.54 and he has been at his absolute best in the last few years in the red-ball version.

Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports, “If Rohit Sharma is able to conquer South Africa, his name will be kept top-most in India’s cricket history as captain and player because he only has the key to wins in both these matches.”

Rohit will look to give a solid start to India along with Shubman Gill in the two Test matches against the Proteas.

“He is both an opener and a captain. If you play out the new ball, your other batters will get the chance to shine. That’s why you should remove the shine from the new ball.”

Meanwhie, Rohit has scored 678 runs at an average of 42.37 in nine Tests against South Africa. But, he has scored only 123 runs at a meagre average of 15.37 in four Tests in South African conditions and thus he would be determined to turn a corner in the upcoming Test series.

In fact, Rohit had done a fine job against England in tough conditions in 2021 and Pathan expects the veteran to replicate his good show.

“He went fully prepared and batted amazingly in the Test series when he went to England. I feel you will see Rohit Sharma preparing with the same passion before he goes. Rohit’s challenge will be to play out the new ball, score his runs and take his team forward.”

The former all-rounder feels Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will hold the key for India against South Africa.

“He is going to wear a lot of hats and only the most experienced player in your team is capable of wearing so many hats. We have two big brothers in this team – Rohit and Virat Kohli. There will be a lot of dependency on both of them.”

The first Test match between India and South Africa will be played at the SuperSport Park, Centurion from December 26.