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Sharma’s consistency woes seem to be a thing of the past

India batsman Rohit Sharma believes his recent performances during the Champions Trophy and tri-series tournament in the West Indies have “been my best phase as an international cricketer”.

Sharma, who is used to coming in lower down the order, was promoted to an opener after Virender Sehwag was dropped and Ajinkya Rahane failed to make the most of his chances.

“I am enjoying my new role as an opener,” Sharma told PTI. “That I have been successful and my contribution has helped the team’s cause makes it even more satisfying.

“From the point of view of consistency, this has certainly been my best phase as an international cricketer.”

Since the last two ODIs against England in January this year, Sharma has averaged 43.72 in 12 matches as an opener.

His scores of 60, 5, 46, 48 not out and 58 in the recent tri-series tournament shows just how consistent he can be.

Sharma revealed that he has also developed his batting technique to deal with the fact that two new balls are now used during ODIs.

“The role with two new balls coming into play is different,” he said. “It’s no longer going after the bowling from the word go. There are a few shots that should be avoided during the initial overs.

“But I was always confident about my technique. The opener’s job is specialised one, but I always knew that I could hold my own if I am given an opportunity at the top of the order. The innings of 83 against England wasn’t the best but proved to be a morale booster for me.”