India is set to host England for a five-match Test series in the ongoing cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. India’s premier opener Rohit Sharma regained his top form in the recently concluded Afghanistan series. The Indian captain scored a record fifth T20I century to help his side win the double Super Over thriller against Afghanistan. With five red-ball matches looming as India’s next major assignment, former legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar wants Rohit to lead the Asian giants from the front.

The batting icon believes an in-form Rohit can give India productive starts against England in the forthcoming Test series. Gavaskar recalled Rohit’s Chennai masterclass against England and wants the experienced skipper to assist the Indian team’s middle-order batters. Rohit, the batter, the manner in which he batted in the Chennai Test, he hit a hundred, and it was a very good hundred. He showed how to bat on spin-friendly pitches, Gavaskar said.

If he continues to bat that way, India will definitely get a good start. And it can make No.3 and No.4 batters’ lives easy. As a captain, Rohit will need to use his bowlers cleverly, the former captain added. Usually in Hyderabad, there is not enough turn on offer, so if England bats first and makes a successful start till lunch, there we’ve to see how Rohit uses his bowlers, Gavaskar concluded.

Rohit has scored 747 runs in 9 home Tests against England. Rohit averages 49.80 against Ben Stokes-led team at home. India will face England in the Test series opener at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on January 25, Thursday.