India vs South Africa 2019: 3 reasons why Rohit Sharma's debut as an opener was so successful

#2 Getting the better of Rabada

Kagiso Rabada celebrating his dismissal of Sharma in an ODI

Kagiso Rabada had a disappointing World Cup, where he picked up 11 wickets at an average of 36.09. After the minor setback, the South African pace sensation was expected to bounce back in the Test series against India.

But his comeback was thwarted by Sharma. The Indian right-hander enjoyed plenty of success against Rabada and played the latter’s deliveries with aplomb. He showed good technique and looked rock-solid at the crease.

That said, it was not all smooth sailing for the Mumbai Indians captain. He had to survive a few testing spells from Rabada, especially on the first day when India could only muster 22 runs from their first 10 overs. On those occasions Rabada ran in with vigour and bowled lightning-quick deliveries. But Sharma, cool as a cucumber, successfully kept them away from the stumps.

Once he was set, Sharma played a few sumptuous front-foot drives. Rabada couldn't dismiss Sharma in the Test and that was one of the reasons why the move to promote the latter worked so well.