A PREMIER batsman with all boxes ticked to qualify as a permanent resident of any team for the longer format is subjected to intense scrutiny as a matter of habit after even a minor blip. And he rises from the criticism in his own style, throwing another solid one at his detractors to keep them quiet and at the same time wonder at his potential. Rohit Sharma has been playing the act for years together despite six centuries in his kitty apart from some brilliantly-constructed innings for the team’s cause. His Chepauk show to collect the seventh hundred of his career should now keep the microscope away for a longer time. For, it was an aesthetic beauty built on a difficult surface and in conditions that test even the resolute ones.

 

The hundred will act as another interesting chapter in the enigmatic story of the Hitman. He continues his sizzling act, bringing out a range of shots with amazing panache and then leaving the dream midway by suddenly going against the flow. Rohit was all grace and beauty on the dustbowl in Chennai when others were busy in getting the measure of the surface. It was another proof of the masterly skills of the opener as he pummeled the English bowlers with killing softness. This was the Rohit Sharma India seeks but always forgets that as a human being he is also allowed to fail before taking a shot at redemption. Just as each one of us does in our personal life! There are not many heartwarming sights that to watch the Hitman in full flow.

 

The blinder he played on Saturday was straight out of the Virender Sehwag mould where the pitch, bowlers and conditions are thrown out of the equation. It was amply illustrated in the sweep shot employed by Rohit. On a tricky wicket, where batsmen opt for safety first, the Mumbai man chose his own rules to dictate. This Rohit innings also demonstrated why an attacking opener is needed on a tough pitch. Having a quick gun at the top is extremely essential even if the traditional format seeks loads of patience. His 161 would be the cornerstone for India to turn the match in their favour for a comeback in the series.

 

The future may not see consistency from Rohit’s blade. It is a style of mavericks to delight and shock in equal measures. However, Rohit is never seen through the prism of a maverick. In fact, it is a big mental block in Indians’ psyche, they are always reluctant to provide leeway to a free bird like Rohit. Free-flowing players raise expectations with their audacious strokeplay but it always comes at a premium, for, the risk factor weighs too heavy in such innings.

 

Instead of thrusting elephantine expectations on such players, it is always better to enjoy the show till it lasts. Players like Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant are born to add a dazzle to the art of attacking batting. Rohit adds further gravitas to the dazzle with a comforting style of batting. It is never a mindless heave against anything thrown at him like a Shahid Afridi but a calculated assault engineered to break the opposition’s resolve. Rohit, Pant and even newcomer Shubhman Gill must be left to play their natural game. Because when they hit, their shots stay hit!