Opening suits my game, just wear pads and go into bat, says Rohit Sharma after unbeaten ton against South Africa

Opener Rohit Sharma who was under the gun when he walked into bat on the first day of Test against South Africa redeemed himself with an unbeaten 115.

Sharma in the post-match press conference told reporters that opening suited his game.

"I think it suits my game," Rohit said, adding,"Just wear the pads and go in to bat. I don't like the waiting game."

Rohit has been India's most prolific one-day batsman in recent times but was unable to make any headway in the Test squad, however, on Wednesday he made his presence felt hitting five sixes and 12 fours in his 174-ball stay at the wicket as rain stopped play early at Visakhapatnam.

"You know the bowlers who are bowling with the new ball, so the game plan is easier for you... At number six, the ball is reversing, field placement is different and you need to keep all those things in mind," a relieved Rohit said after the first day's play.

"Opening the batting is a different ball game in red ball cricket. Of course mentally you have to train your mind more than anything else," he said. "You have to challenge yourself to play the new ball and take the game forward."

Rohit was ably supported by Mayank Agarwal who made a valient 84 and stayed put at the other end.

"We wanted to use our feet and get closer to the ball and then obviously those are my shots that I play and I wanted to back myself and back my game," said Sharma.

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis mixed his spinners but was unable to get a breakthrough as his bowlers struggled as India reached 202 without loss on a rain-hit day.