'Much like Viru at his best' - Ravi Shastri reserves high praise for Rohit Sharma after half-century on Day 1

Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has paid the ultimate compliment to the current Indian skipper Rohit Sharma after comparing his batting style to that of legendary Virender Sehwag. Rohit registered his first Test half-century as Test skipper on Day 1 of the Nagpur Test and is looking in ominous touch.

After a marvellous bowling display restricted the visitors to a below-par total on the opening day of the first Test, it was Rohit Sharma's turn to pile the pressure on the Aussies. The flamboyant opener was largely untroubled at the crease and looked to score runs in a steady opening stand with KL Rahul.

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri, who has worked closely with Rohit during his stint with the national team, reckoned his batting style is similar to Virender Sehwag's. Like Sehwag, the current Indian skipper does not allow the bowlers to settle with his aggressive intent at the crease.

"Rohit stays there, he gets it quickly. He won't allow any bowler to settle. Runs will come much like Viru at his best.When Virender Sehwag was in form, he made the job for the middle order a lot easier by really taking it to the opposition early on. His role will be that,” Shastri said speaking on the ICC Review show.

I don't think he has to prove tactically or anything to anyone as a captain: Shastri

The Indian opener has not been tested as a captain as he has featured in just two Tests after taking over the leadership role from Virat Kohli. However, Shastri stated that there is no test as he has already proven his captaincy credentials. He feels that the Mumbai Indians' skipper is a good reader of the game and 'does his homework' before every match.

"I don't think it's a test of his captaincy. He's passed that. He's a very good captain and he is a smart operator and let's not forget his record in India as an opening batsman is stunning. Tactically, I have no issues. He'll do the job. He, he knows what to do, when to do it...I don't think he has to prove tactically or anything to anyone as a captain. 

"He does his homework. He is very good with his homework. He is very big on, I wouldn't say stats, but with the analyst, he'll work out a lot of things. Tactically he knows," the former Indian cricketer added.

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