"From the point of view of consistency, this has certainly been the best phase as an international cricketer. I am enjoying my new role as an opener. That I have been successful and my contribution has helped the team's cause makes it even more satisfying. I am hoping to keep up the good work," Sharma told PTI in an interview today.
"I was always confident about my technique. The opener's job is specialized one but I always knew that I could hold my own if I am given an opportunity at the top of the order. Also I have opened a couple of times in T20's for India, so it wasn't an entirely new experience," said Sharma, who scored a match-winning 83 against England in Mohali, on his maiden appearance as an opener.
"I wasn't exactly surprised but I knew that it would be challenging. But then in life, when challenges are thrown at you, you should believe in your instincts and go for it. The innings of 83 against England wasn't the best but certainly an effort that proved to be a morale booster for me," stated Sharma, who has scored 2459 runs in 98 ODIs with two centuries and 17 half-centuries.
Asked about the change in ODI opener's role since two new balls are being used, he admitted that it is indeed a big challenge.