Rohit Sharma's successive centuries for India makes a mockery of concerns over his opening role

Opening the batting for the first time in the longest format, the 32-year-old answered his critics emphatically, scoring back-to-back tons and giving India a shot at victory in Visakhapatnam.

A first innings century complemented Mayank Agarwal’s double ton and allowed the hosts to declare at 502/7. A repeat performance in the second innings saw another declaration at 323/4 as South Africa were set a target of 395 towards the end of Day four.

With 303 runs scored over both innings, Rohit made a mockery of any concerns over his temperament. He seemed to treat suggestions that his Test career might be with as much disdain as he did those final three deliveries of the 56^th over, launching Dane Piedt for a hat-trick of sixes.

In doing so, he now holds the record for the most sixes in a single Test match with 13 – just one of the many incredible stats that emerged from this performance.

And that was but a snapshot of his approach over his knocks of 176 (244) and 127 (149) which boasted a combined strike rate of 77. When it was established that he would open the innings, comparisons were quickly drawn with Virender Sehwag.

The former Indian batsman is recognised as one of the most destructive of all time and reinterpreted the way Test cricket could be played. His aggressive style seemed to transcend formats, going on to score two triple tons in red ball cricket.

Rohit is a similarly attacking player but the resemblance ends there. The Mumbai Indians skipper is the technically superior batsmen and should really be better equipped to thrive in Tests.

Those tools came into play on Day one when there was a little help for the pacers with the new ball. It was a small window of opportunity for the Proteas and Rohit was under pressure. He fished outside off stump for two Vernon Philander deliveries early on.

The first half hour exhibited more moments of uncertainty from him but he weathered the storm and it was smooth sailing thereafter. Once the spinners were introduced, he went on the offensive and feasted. The second innings was played at a greater pace with the pitch offering even less. Brimming with confidence, his second knock was a spectacle that involved some masterful stroke play.

There will be greater tests to come though. For the most part, this was a flat track. Rohit may boast an average upwards of 100 in India, but to prove his pedigree in totality, performances abroad remain key.

Take nothing away from the authority he exercised with these two knocks though.

On the back of this ludicrously good first attempt as an opener in Tests, questions over his credentials or ability seem rather silly.

Yes, his recent struggles in Test cricket warranted some trepidation but this is one of the most talented batsmen a cricketing behemoth in India has ever produced, not some wide-eyed youngster on debut.

This was one of the most exquisite stroke players in the game who now stands among just eight others to notch up centuries across all formats.

This was an experienced pro who’s been written off on numerous occasions only to come back with a bang and be written of in the highest regard.

This was Rohit Sharma.