'It is going to be a challenge' - Rohit Sharma says he is ready for the New Zealand tour

Indian team opener Rohit Sharma had one of the best years in 2019 when he not only ruled the limited-overs scene but also conquered the Test arena as well. He made his debut as an opener in the homes series against South Africa and hit a double century and twin centuries in two of the Test matches.

He had made an impressive debut in Tests in 2013, hitting two centuries in his first two Tests against West Indies in the farewell series of Sachin Tendulkar, but couldn’t manage to hold onto his place in the middle order, with form and injuries becoming barriers. He finally took the dive to open the innings after success at the top in ODIs and T20I matches. Now he will face his biggest challenge when India tour to New Zealand shortly for a full series and he shared his views on the same.

“New Zealand is not the easiest place to play cricket”: Rohit Sharma

“New Zealand is not the easiest place to play cricket. Last time, we lost the Test series (0-1) but we gave a good fight. But this bowling attack of ours is completely different from what we had back then. For me personally, it’s going to be a challenge, without a doubt, facing the new ball bowlers and the guys who bowl in the middle overs,” Rohit Sharma was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

The 32-year-old was part of the Indian team which travelled to New Zealand in 2013-14, where India lost the 5-match ODI series 4-0. In the two Tests, New Zealand won the first one by 40 runs, thanks to a double ton by Kiwi captain Brendon McCullum. Shikhar Dhawan’s majestic century almost saw India chase down the target of 400 odd runs. McCullum scored the first-ever triple hundred in Tests in the next match, which was drawn.

Rohit knows how the New Zealand pacers plan dismissals of opposition batsmen. “…they come up with plans and stick to them. It’s one thing to make a plan without being able to execute it and another to make a plan and implement it. That makes a lethal bowling combination,” he further said.

Rohit also felt that despite happening late, but he is happy at where his career is going and that he is opening the batting for Team India. “If you are playing well, milestones will be reached along the way. I would take credit for the fact that I now understand my game very well than what it was previously. I stuck to my game plan and that actually worked for me,” he signed off.

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