Debasis Sen, Visakhapatnam: India’s new opener Rohit Sharma will have a stiff challenge when he walks into open the batting for India in the first test match against South Africa here at the Rajsekhara Reddy ACA VDCA stadium, starting from Wednesday. With the weather forecast predicting overcast conditions on all five days of the test match, the batsmen will have a tough time. Apart from the weather, Rohit will also have to confront two bowlers who recently dismissed him thrice. Proteas new ball bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander will have their tails up to see Rohit opening the batting for India.
Apart from Rohit opening the batting for India, fans will also keep an eye on how Wriddhiman Saha performs after coming back from injury. Saha, who had a successful shoulder operation, will be looking to put up a good show behind the stumps. Both Saha and Pant (Rishabh) were seen taking some lessons from fielding coach Sridhar during the team’s practice session on Monday.
Both India and South Africa had a strenuous training session once the rain stopped. The hosts will go in with six batsmen – Rohit, Mayank, Cheteshwar, Virat, Ajinkya, Hanuma, Wriddhi, Jadeja, Ashwin, Ishant and Shami.
Former New Zealand rugby trainer Nick Webb joined the Indian team as strength and conditioning coach. He replaced Shankar Basu who joined his former IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore.