New Delhi: Rohit Sharma's inclusion in India's squad for the three-Test series against New Zealand raised a few eyebrows. (Fans 'attack' Virat Kohli for picking Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan over Gautam Gambhir)
The limited-overs cricket powerhouse has repeatedly failed to perform in Test cricket. Hence several cricket fans were left puzzled as to why the selectors and Virat Kohli offered the stylish right-hander yet another chance to impress.
While nobody has doubts over the Mumbai batsman's immense talent, his Test cricket record makes for poor reading.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly too raised this point when asked about the Hitman's inclusion in the team.
While Ganguly was happy that Sharma was given a long rope, he stated that Cheteshwar Pujara was a far better batsman in the longest format of the game.
Dada also went on to add that he would opt for Pujara any day ahead of Rohit.
"I agree with the system that whoever is picked in the Indian team is being given a long rope. But I think Rohit Sharma's talent in Test cricket has not pushed forward as it has done in the limited-overs formats. He has struggled more on overseas tours and on pitches which offer more seam and bounce," he told India Today.
"I think he has got a fair rope, but i don't think the selectors are going to find anything more about Rohit with the 13 Test matches we play in India. I would pick Pujara any day ahead of Rohit because he's a better player at the Test level. His record in India is as good as Rohit and he got a hundred in South Africa as well," Ganguly further added.
Like MS Dhoni, Virat too has stood firmly behind Rohit whenever his place in the side has been questioned.
It is now up to Rohit to seize the opportunity against New Zealand and cement his place in the side.
