WTC Final: Rohit Sharma will be disappointed with timing of his dismissal, says VVS Laxman

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman had words of praise for Rohit Sharma, who stitched a fine opening partnership alongside Shubman Gill on the opening day of the WTC final against New Zealand, after being sent in to bat. India are taking on New Zealand in the final of the maiden edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) in Southampton. Laxman hailed Rohit for ensuring a balanced approach, merging caution and aggression in the first session of the final.

The Team India opener stitched a 62-run opening stand with Gill under an overcast sky. Rohit looked solid and will be disappointed with his dismissal, according to Laxman.

“Rohit as an opener has passed with flying colours, he is an attacking playing but today he was compact. It was a wonderful display of caution and aggression from Rohit, but he will be disappointed with the way and the timing of his dismissal,” he said in an interaction with Star Sports.

“Both openers applied themselves, they were very composed and technically compact. They both got out in the same fashion but India should be happy with the first session,” added Laxman.

“Can’t remember Indian openers playing the pull shot better”

Kyle Jamieson was responsible for Rohit’s dismissal, breaking the stand in the 21st over with the opener accumulating 34 runs off 38 balls. Gill departed after four overs having scored 28 runs off 64 deliveries. It was the youngster’s first Test innings in England. Former England skipper Nasser Hussain was full of praise for Gill.

“The pair of them were putting on a masterclass. Gill looks very good, so calm. I can’t remember Indian openers playing the pull shot better than these two. With an Indian tour of England coming up, that’s an important innings from Shubman Gill,” said Hussain.

Gill further received words of praise from legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who hailed him as someone who had the temperament to become a great player.

“He has the temperament to become a great player. The first hundred is always the toughest one because that journey from scoring a half century to reaching three figures is not that easy. Batsmen tend to feel settled somewhere around 70-80 run mark and start taking the bowlers on and lose their wicket in that way. He just needs to get his first hundred and then a lot more will follow,” said the former Indian cricketer.

Earlier, Virat Kohli became the first captain to lead India in a neutral Test in their history. This was the 61st Test that Kohli is the captain, breaking the previous record of 60 by MS Dhoni. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson had expressed a desire to strike with some quick wickets during the toss.

“Conditions, with the weather around, hopefully we can make the most of it. Saying that, wicket will be consistent throughout the game going by the cool weather. Have gone for four frontline seamers. No spinner. Great occasion and great challenge against the best team in the world. First time a WTC final, guys are really excited. A big player for us and a real leader within our group (Watling). Great occasion for him playing his last game. Great to be in this position. Two years trying to qualify for us, we’re fortunate to be here,” said the New Zealand captain.