Wanted to go Bengaluru with a smile: Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma was the architect of a run feast at Wankhede Stadium along with Mumbai teammate Shreyas Iyer, the two dashers scoring contrasting tons as the hosts amassed 407/4 in 88 overs on the first day of the four-day Ranji Trophy Group B game against Uttar Pradesh.

The 28-year-old, who was released from the 15-member Test squad along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Stuart Binny after failing to find place in the XI in Mohali made optimum use of the opportunity to stake his claim for a spot in the second Test in Bengaluru. He made a defiant unbeaten 110 in 128 balls, striking 13 boundaries and a six for his 19th first class hundred.

“It was important knock for me as I came from there (Mohali), I wanted to make good use of the opportunity. I wanted to utilise time in the middle and bat long. I wasn’t looking at my personal score but how many balls I have played,” he said.

He said he would now go to Bengaluru from here with a big smile. “The three figure mark wasn’t important to me. I wanted to face as many balls as possible. I played 128 balls today and want make good use of it. My job is not over yet. I am looking forward to playing another 100, maybe more balls tomorrow. I want to go back to Bengaluru with a big smile,” he added.

Rohit however made it clear that this match wasn’t a practice game for him.

“By no means am I treating as a practice game for me. It is a proper first class game. I take a lot of pride coming in and playing for Mumbai. I was doing my thing with the bat and get the team to good position, which we have done very well.

“The Wankhede wicket is always good to bat on the first day especially after an hour and half. Luckily they won the toss and we batted first. We utilised the wicket pretty well I guess. Getting 400 on Day One is simply amazing,” he said.