• Home
  • Player Stories
  • On This Day In 2019 Rohit Sharma 20 Arrived In Test Cricket With Stunning Century Vs South Africa

On This Day In 2019: Rohit Sharma 2.0 Arrived In Test Cricket With Stunning Century Vs South Africa

Rohit Sharma's explosive knock in 2019 (Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com)Rohit Sharma's explosive knock in 2019 (Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com)

Rohit Sharma delivered a sensational performance in the first Test of the three-match series against South Africa at the ACA-VDCA Stadium, Vizag on October 3, 2019.  He became the first batter to score centuries in both innings of his debut Test as an opener. 

It is worth mentioning that Rohit Sharma was promoted to open in Test cricket for the first time after KL Rahul's extended struggles in red-ball cricket continued. He seized the opportunity with both hands and scored an impressive 176 in the first innings, followed by a blistering knock of 127 from 149 balls in the second innings. 

The Vizag Test in 2019 marked a new chapter in Rohit’s career, as the team management made the bold decision to elevate him to the opening role in Test cricket. 

The move came after his spectacular run in the 2019 ICC World Cup, where Rohit was in sublime form, and with Rahul struggling for consistency, it was a gamble that paid off immediately.

Rohit Sharma's Significant Knock Vs South Africa

On a pitch that initially aided the pacers, Rohit Sharma played with caution during the early exchanges on Day 1. However, he capitalised on every scoring opportunity once the South African bowlers lost their early movement.

His 176 off 244 balls in the first innings was a masterclass in attacking yet controlled batting, his knock featured 23 boundaries and six towering sixes.

Mayank Agarwal, alongside Rohit, also played a crucial role in setting up India’s first-innings total. Agarwal converted his maiden Test hundred into a commanding double-century (215 runs off 371 balls) that helped India post 502/7. 

In response, South Africa put up a determined fight, led by Quinton de Kock’s fluent century and Dean Elgar’s gritty 160 off 287. 

The Proteas managed to post 431 runs in their first innings, keeping the contest alive. However, they were still 71 runs behind India, and the hosts extended their lead significantly in the second innings. India’s bowling attack, led by the R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami, ensured that South Africa’s second innings did not match their first. 

India's second innings revolved once again around Rohit Sharma. After South Africa's bowlers put India under slight pressure early on, Rohit unleashed a counterattack and made 149-ball 127.