Bengaluru: With India set to announce their Test squad for the three-match series against South Africa, there is a chance that the Virat Kohli-led side may try Rohit Sharma as opener.

Even BCCI selection panel chief MSK Prasad had hinted that they might elevate Rohit to the top of the order. Now, an Australian legend has backed this idea.

Also read: Sourav Ganguly wants Rohit Sharma as Test opener

Former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist backed Rohit to succeed as an opening batsman in the longer version of the game.

“At home, Rohit can most definitely play as opener. It might be more challenging when touring Australia, South Africa and England,” Gilchrist said in Bengaluru.

Also read: Here's likely India Test squad

Having played with Rohit with the now defunct Deccan Chargers (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Gilchrist said he loved the Mumbai batsman.

“I love Rohit. We’ve played together for Deccan Chargers in the IPL. I think Rohit deceives people. I mean, since he is a laidback guy, people think he is not working hard enough. In reality, he is world-class," the 47-year-old Gilchrist, who was ODI opener, said.

After KL Rahul’s failures in the recently concluded two-Test rubber in the West Indies, which India won 2-0, Rohit’s name is doing the rounds to replace him to partner Mayank Agarwal.

Even former India skipper Sourav Ganguly had backed the idea of pushing Rohit to the top of the order. Rohit had not got a chance in the Caribbean to play in the two Tests. Ganguly was the one who pushed Virender Sehwag to the opener’s slot.

"The opening still remains an area to work on. Mayank Agarwal looks good but will need a few more opportunities. His partner, KL Rahul, though, has flattered to deceive and that creates an opening at the top. I had suggested earlier about trying Rohit Sharma as an opener in Test cricket and I still believe that he needs to be given an opportunity because he is too good a player to be left out in the cold,” Ganguly had said.