Rohit Sharma needs to "maintain his individuality" as a Test opener and his success in longest format can help India successfully chase down big targets, said former assistant coach Sanjay Bangar. A revered opening batsman in limited over cricket, Rohit was included in 15-member squ for three-Test series against South Africa at home beginning on October 2. He was also in squ for West Indies Tests but didn't find a place in playing XI. Rohit, who has scored three ODI double hundreds and four T20I hundreds, was picked as an opener ahe of an out-of-form KL Rahul, who was dropped after a poor show in West Indies.

"If he succeeds, his style of play will be extremely helpful to team. It might result in being able to successfully chase down targets that we haven't achieved in past, like in Cape Town and Edgbaston," Bangar told media sources in an interview.

RE: Ashes 2019: Jofra Archer claims six wickets as England take charge

Rohit Sharma's Test career

In 27 Tests, Rohit has scored 1585 runs at an aver of 39.62 with three hundreds and 10 fifties but he is yet to cement a permanent place in side. 32-year-old was seen as a middle-order batsman in Tests but with Hanuma Vihari sealing number 6 spot with some superlative performance in Caribbeans, doors have opened up for Rohit to seal opening slot in Test. Bangar's five-year tenure with Indian team came to an end last month when he was replaced by Vikram Rathour as India's new batting coach. Reports h emerged that Bangar, who has w been replaced by Vikram Rathour, confronted selector on just-concluded West Indies tour, Gandhi, in his hotel room and exchange wasn't exactly friendly. 

Bangar said: " key to his success will be if he maintains his individual style of play. He has to maintain his individuality. "At moment, re is place in settled middle order in Test team. Opening will be a new challenge for him, since he has rarely done it in longer formats. "But vant is that he will get to bat against a hard ball with plenty of gaps in field. He will also t have to wait for his turn to bat, which will save his mental energy."

RE: Steve Smith – Smashing Records And Redefining Art Of Batting

MSK Pras hints at Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul's future

"As selection committee, we haven't met after conclusion of West Indies tour. We will definitely take this (Rohit as an opener) point into consideration when we all meet and discuss it," said Pras, a former India wicketkeeper.  "KL (Rahul) is definitely a great talent. Of course, he is going through a bit of a tough time in Test cricket. We are definitely concerned about his form. He needs to spend more time on wicket and regain his touch and form," he said.

RE | Steve Smith defends Australian batting failures, reuses to blame team

RE | Steve Smith gets tricked by Jonny Bairstow behind stumps, watch