Rohit Sharma talks about his biggest challenge on the tour of New Zealand

Rohit Sharma is currently on a break from international cricket; the vice-captain of India’s ODI and T20I team is not a part of the ongoing three-match series against Sri Lanka at home, the first of which was a washout in Guwahati.  But Rohit will return to the Indian squad for the ODI series at home against Australia. However, the bigger challenge for him will be the Test series in New Zealand. Although Rohit made a great return to Test cricket in 2019 as an opener, this will be the first time he will open in Tests outside India.

“For me personally, it’s going to be a challenge, without doubt,  facing the new ball bowlers and the guys who bowl in the middle overs,” Rohit said in an interview to PTI.

The ball swings a lot more outside the sub-continent, but Rohit is up for the challenge.

“Facing the new ball in any condition is not that easy. Of course, it’s a lot tougher outside India. But then, we played three Test matches against South Africa and I have never seen the ball swing so much in India like it did in Pune (second Test).

“The first few overs that they (SA) bowled, the pitch was damp and so they got pretty much everything out of it. In Ranchi (where he got a double hundred) also, we were three down in no time.

“But I know what to expect as I have been there the last time (2014 series). Not the easiest of conditions but I will be ready for that challenge,” he added.

On to his own game, Rohit has no regrets that his Test career took quite a few years to get going. “I know I could think that way…I know it happened late but must have happened for good. That’s what I am thinking now honestly. In fact, I am happy that whatever is going on in my career right now is in my favor.”