Indian batsman Rohit Sharma, who struck a scintillating century on debut against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens here Thursday, said that he always believed in his abilities and never lost hope despite being made to wait for six years for the Test cap.
"Being a sportsman, you know there are lots of inspiration to take from. There are so many sportsmen around the world like Michael Hussey (Australian batsman) who made his debut at 30. There are many who had to wait and I am no different," Rohit said at the post match press meet.
Rohit, who scored an unbeaten 127 to power India into a commanding position on day two of the Test match, had to wait for six long years and 108 ODIs for his Test debut. He came close to playing his maiden Test in February 2010, but a freak injury just ahead of the match denied him the opportunity.
"I always knew if I get an opportunity I will try to make most it. I never put my head down. If you have the ability, the talent and you know you can do it, then there is no need to worry about anything," he said.
"There was a phase when things were not going my way, but I never put my head down. I knew there will be time when runs will flow and I waited and worked on my game hard and today I am really very happy," said the Mumbaikar.
"I was disappointed about what happened in 2010, but wanted to focus on the Test match and that it (debut) came after three years doesn't matter. I am happier," he said.
"The double century was special but this is even more special because it has come on debut. But if we win the Test, it will be icing on the cake," said Rohit, adding he was focused and eager to transform his good form in the ODIs into the Test.
"I just wanted to continue from where I left in the ODIs and when you are in good form, you need to carry it on," said Rohit, who came in to bat with India in trouble after losing four wickets for 82.
"When I came in, India was in trouble and I just wanted to be there. They were bowling quite well and we lost five wickets. We just thought of respecting the bowlers. And we needed to negotiate the first few overs."
"Once we got in, we knew we could capitalise later when the bowlers get tired and that's what happened," said Rohit about his 73-run partnership with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and the unfinished 198-run stand with Ravichandran Ashwin.
Observing that the wicket was slow and low with inconsistent bounce, Rohit hoped that India will put on enough runs on the board to put pressure on the visitors.
"We have good spinners and if we put on a sizeable lead, we may not need to bat again," added Rohit.
