Irfan Pathan, the former speedster for India, recently expressed his belief that Rohit Sharma has the potential to carve out a remarkable legacy in the realm of cricket. According to Pathan, securing victory in the Test series against South Africa could catapult Rohit into the echelons of India’s most esteemed players and captains. Sharing his insights on Star Sports, Pathan underscored Rohit’s pivotal role in the upcoming matches, considering his dual responsibilities as the team’s skipper and opener. The former cricketer emphasized that if the 36-year-old can navigate the challenges posed by the new ball, it would significantly ease the path for the other batsmen.

Pathan stated,

“Should Rohit Sharma triumph over South Africa, his name will be etched at the pinnacle of India’s cricketing history, both as a captain and a player. Mastering the new ball is his forte, and as both an opener and captain, he holds the key to victories in these crucial matches. The strategy is simple: by playing out the new ball, he paves the way for the brilliance of the other batsmen. That’s why the shine needs to be removed from the new ball.”

Discussing the anticipated challenges in the upcoming Test series, Pathan acknowledged the diverse roles that Rohit will undertake. Recalling Rohit’s stellar performance in the Test series in England, Pathan anticipates witnessing a similar level of preparation and passion. Rohit’s challenge, according to Pathan, extends beyond mere run-scoring; it involves leading the team forward while juggling various responsibilities, a feat reserved for the most seasoned players. Pathan highlighted the significant roles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, referring to them as the “big brothers” in the team, upon whom a substantial dependency will rest.

The comprehensive tour of South Africa, featuring all formats, kicks off on December 10 with a three-match T20I series slated to conclude on December 14. Subsequently, the ODI leg of the series is set to commence on December 17 and conclude on December 21. The inaugural Test match is scheduled for December 26 at Centurion, followed by the second game on January 3 at Cape Town.

Providing insights into India’s squads for the various formats, the Test squad is captained by Rohit Sharma, who leads a talented ensemble. Suryakumar Yadav assumes leadership for the T20I squad, with Ravindra Jadeja as vice-captain. For ODIs, KL Rahul takes on the captaincy, supported by a diverse and skilled lineup. The squads reflect a harmonious blend of experience and emerging talent, underscoring India’s commitment to excellence in the upcoming series.

India’s squad for 3 T20Is: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (Wk), Jitesh Sharma (Wk), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar.

India’s squad for 3 ODIs: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C) (Wk), Sanju Samson (Wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan,.