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Team India skipper Rohit Sharma has a decorated Test career, especially in recent times since his switch to the top of the order. His red-ball career spanning over a decade includes 61 Test appearances, which could have been more if not for an unfortunate injury.
After making his white-ball debuts in 2007 and being in the mix for the Indian middle order, a Test debut was naturally not far away for Rohit. The opportunity inevitably came and Rohit was set for his maiden Test appearance during the home series against South Africa in Nagpur.
However, fate had other plans set in place. Rohit Sharma twisted his ankle during fielding drills on the morning of the contest, and India had to name Wriddhiman Saha as a last-minute replacement. The missed chance proved to be costly for Rohit as he had to wait for three more years to feature for India in the longest format for the first time.
Rohit Sharma's former teammate Pragyan Ojha recalled how the setback fuelled his desire for a comeback.
"After that injury, I remember him being so aggressive and determined for two reasons: one for making his Test debut, and second, to get the Test cap from Sachin Tendulkar," Pragyan Ojha said on Jio Cinema during IPL 2023.
His agonizing absence from the longest format coincided with a career-defining phase in white-ball cricket. The right-handed evolved into an opening batter and ended up being among the key players in the squad.
Rohit Sharma's wait ended up being fruitful as he scored a century on his Test debut
Rohit Sharma's desire to get his Test cap from Sachin Tendulkar was fulfilled as he made his debut during the legend's farewell Test series. The Hitman made the most of the opportunity by scoring a memorable ton at his beloved Eden Gardens in Kolkata against the West Indies.
He made the most of the early momentum by scoring a hundred in the second Test at his home ground. Although his red-ball career has had its ups and downs, he has been on the right track since receiving a second life as a Test opener since 2019.
