IND vs SL | "Won't be a big challenge for him..." - Gambhir on the latest Test skipper

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has opined that new Test skipper Rohit Sharma will not find it tough to make a transition from leading the side in shorter formats to Test match cricket.

‘March 04’ has proved to be a historic day for Indian cricket, with the legendary Virat Kohli playing his 100th Test and Rohit Sharma making his captaincy debut in the format.

In many ways, it's the start of a new era in Indian cricket, not only with regards to the leadership perspective but also from the batting point-of-view with Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane no longer a part of the set-up.

However, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir believes that India have good enough replacements in the form of Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer.

"I don't think so. Because it won't be a big challenge for Rohit Sharma in red-ball cricket. If you talk about Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, you have experienced players like Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer who can replace them. Iyer had made a bright start to Test cricket,” Gambhir told Star Sports on the morning of the 1st Test.

Further, Gambhir stressed that it's the bowlers who win sides' Test matches and India, under Virat Kohli, already boast of a world-beating attack for all conditions.

"When you have Ashwin, Jadeja, Shami, Bumrah, then it doesn't get (difficult). Bowlers win you matches, batters only set the match up. Virat Kohli has developed India's bowling strength, so I don't think it should be difficult for Rohit Sharma in red-ball cricket.” he said.

“In India, it's comparatively easier. You win the toss and bat. Overseas, it gets difficult because the condition is challenging. Here, you know you can set the game if you bat first,” he added.

Meanwhile, India won the toss in Mohali and Rohit had no hesitation in opting to bat first.

The home side got off to a rolicking start on an ease-paced surface before Rohit once again fell to the hook shot for a 28-ball 29.

Mayank Agarwal.was trapped in front by Lasith Embuldeniya, which brought the man of the moment, Virat Kohli, to the crease amid rousing reception.

Kohli, along with Vihari, who has played some gorgeous shots so far, have added 80 runs, with India’s total reaching 160 for the loss of two wickets after 40 overs’ play on Day 1.