'Absolutely respect the conditions and wait for the bad ball' - Virender Sehwag's advice to Rohit Sharma ahead of WTC Final

On 18th June 2021, India and New Zealand will do battle in Southampton during the summit clash of the World Test Championship (WTC). And, Rohit Sharma will play a key role for the Indian side with the willow at the top of the order.

Ahead of this marquee clash, Indian batting legend Virender Sehwag has some advice to offer to the ‘Hitman’. Sehwag stated that when he opened in England for the first time, he did not attack from the outset but respected the conditions and got success.

Sehwag also added that if the weather is good, then there will be less swing on offer for the bowlers. The ‘Nawab of Najafgarh’ further opined that Rohit Sharma should wait for the bad ball and respect the conditions. Sehwag concluded by stating that once Rohit Sharma has got his eye in, it will be easier for him to play aggressive cricket.

“I think when I opened in England for the first time, I was not that attacking. I scored the century off 150-160 balls because in swinging conditions you have to respect the new ball and conditions and I got success. The conditions remain the same so it also depends on the wicket. If you are playing on a flat track or a grassy wicket, there is a huge difference. If the weather stays good there is less swing else there is a lot of swing. In England, a lot depends on the condition. The ball can do anything if clouds come in and if there is sunshine it is easier to bat.

“Absolutely respect the conditions and wait for the bad ball. He has played a lot of cricket in England, so he is experienced and knows what needs to be done. But my advice would be to respect the new ball and then he will get the bad balls for which he has to wait. Once he is set after seeing off the first 5 to 10 overs, then it will be easier to play aggressive cricket,” said Sehwag as quoted by the Mumbai Mirror.

Rohit Sharma has had a good run in 2021

Rohit Sharma has experienced an excellent run with the willow in Test cricket in 2021. In the 11 innings that he has played in the whites this year, Sharma has plundered 474 runs at an average of 47.40. He has also scored a hundred and a couple of fifties as well.

The New Zealand side will enter the WTC final against India after a two-match Test series against England that will end on 14th June 2021.