MUMBAI: The stage was set for Rohit Sharma to make his Test debut against South Africa in 2010. But a freak injury on the morning of the match robbed the talented Mumbai middle-order batsman that opportunity.
Now, with a string of good scores in the national championships for cricket, Sharma has re-earned the selectors' faith and got a call-up for the third Test against West Indies to be played at the Wankhede Stadium from Tuesday.
And Sharma, who came in for Yuvraj Singh, seems extremely excited with the prospect of a possible Test debut at home.
"It would be great to make a Test debut at home," Sharma said and added: "I am excited at the thought of getting a Test cap and to be able to get one in front of the home crowd would be special."
Sharma however, will have to compete with Virat Kohli for a place in the playing XI. For, Kohli has been a consistent performer for India in recent times and is a top contender to replace Yuvraj in the playing XI. But with the series already in the bag, India may decide to rest one of the seniors and perhaps give Sharma a chance to make his Test debut.
But Sharma is elated just by the fact that he is part of India's Test squad.
"I am extremely happy to be part of the Indian squad again. I have had a few good games where I scored runs and the selection also tells me that my runs and efforts are being recognised by the selectors," he said.
Sharma was termed as future prospect very early in his career. But as days passed in his international career, questions about his dedication towards the game have been raised time and again. In fact, he also missed out on India's World Cup winning campaign early this year.
Exclusion from the World Cup squad was a big wake up call for Sharma. And in the company of good friend Abhishek Nayar, he started resurrecting his career.
He concentrated on his fitness and shed those few extra pounds to be supremely fit.
Hard work and discipline that he put off the field, soon started reflecting in his game. Clearly, Sharma had matured. He had learnt from his past mistakes and was doing only the right things.
"The best way to learn and understand things is through understanding the mistakes you have made. I have been able to do that and that has made me a better cricketer and a person," he said.
"Earlier, I used to get out cheaply but now I understand my game better. I am converting the 20s and 30s into big scores now. I have made changes to my game and have started scoring big runs consistently," he said.