Rohit Sharma described his maiden Test double century as his “most challenging” knock after he put India in command of the third Test against South Africa at the end of Day 2.
The opener, who hit twin tons in the first Test of the series, made 212 in the first innings at Ranchi as India declared their innings on 497 for nine.
“I (have) played only 30 Tests,” said Sharma. “In terms of what was thrown at me, I would definitely say it was probably the most challenging one.”
“Having played only three Tests as an opener, I know I have a long way to go. Of course I will take a lot of positives but I’m not reading too much into it,” he added.
The 32-year-old also lauded vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane – with whom he shared a massive 267-run partnership – for scoring his 11th Test hundred. He acknowledged Rahane’s ability to thrive under pressure and his consistency in the longer format.
“We have seen him for a long time. The way he has taken forward his Test career. He has always rescued the team from difficult circumstances,” said Sharma of Rahane.
“He has not done this in just one or two innings, but he’s been doing it consistently. It shows how strong mentally he is and the hunger for runs. We have seen this not only in India and outside.”
India is aiming for a whitewash after taking an unassailable 2-0 lead going into third match. At the end of Day 2 in the final Test, South Africa trail by 488 runs with eight wickets remaining in the first innings.
