'I have protected myself with a shield around me' - India opener Rohit Sharma

Opening batsman says he is looking to enjoy his game after memorable Visakhapatnam Test

Indian opener Rohit Sharma. AFP

India batsman Rohit Sharma said scoring centuries in both innings of his first Test as an opener was a "great start" and promised more after India crushed South Africa by 203 runs in Visakhapatnam.

Rohit, 32, hit a century in each innings – the first-ever by a debut opener in Tests – to lay the foundation of India's victory. Spinner Ravi Ashwin took seven wickets in the first innings and pacer Mohammed Shami picked up five in the second.

Rohit also set a new record for the most number of sixes in a Test, his 13 hits over the fence breaking Wasim Akram's record of 12.

The Mumbai batsman made his Test debut in 2013 but has not been a regular member of the side. But with his latest performance, that should not be the case anymore.

"Whenever I was not playing a Test match, in the nets I was batting with the new ball trying to be ready if the opportunity comes," Rohit was quoted as saying by AFP.

"It's a great start and I have a long way to go. It's not the end, it's the start. Good things are about to follow."

The limited-overs specialist attracted criticism in the past for his inability to make a mark in Test cricket. Rohit said he has mastered the art of keeping the negativity out.

"I have protected myself with a shield around me for a long time now and all those things, what happens outside does not come inside that shield," Rohit said.

"So what people say and what people think of me doesn't really bother me. Because eventually I have to play my game and I have to enjoy my game because it was my dream to play cricket. And I am living that dream."

Rohit said that while it felt good to have a few records next to his name, they meant little to him.

"All those things are nice to happen along the way but I have said many times I am not here for records.

"I just want to enjoy the game. I know it might be boring but that is what it is."