India may have beaten the West Indies comprehensively in the recent two-Test series, but the selectors are viewing a change in the opening combination for the forthcoming three-Test series v South Africa that begins on October 2. Chief selector MSK Prasad said yesterday that they could try Rohit Sharma as an opener against the Proteas, considering KL Rahul's poor form during the West Indies Test series in which Rohit sat out. "We (the selection committee) haven't met after the West Indies tour. We will definitely take this (Rohit as opener) point into consideration when we meet," Prasad told India Today.Rohit's possible new role was fully backed by ex-chief selectors Dilip Vengsarkar and Kiran More.

'World-class player'

Vengsarkar had no doubts over Rohit succeeding as a Test opener. "To make him bat in the opening position or No. 3 or 4 doesn't really make much of a difference. It is just about the mental state. It is a good thing that he will be opening; he will get a dedicated slot to bat in. "He is a world-class player and has proved it. Give him a platform, and he will perform. He delivered when the whole world was watching during his innings [of 140] against Pakistan in the World Cup. He is a big-match player, so I am sure he will succeed," Vengsarkar told mid-day yesterday.