Working hard towards maiden Test cap: Rohit

Rohit Sharma, who has been in and out of the national limited overs squads, said he was looking forward to the eight home Tests that the Indian cricket team would play this season to force his way in.

"I'm always working towards that. There are certain things that are not in my hands. Whatever is in my hands, I'll try and do. Tomorrow is a real opportunity for me to showcase (my talent). I will try to perform and leave it up to the selectors and everybody else," he said while preparing for Mumbai's Ranji Trophy opener against Railways at the Wankhede Stadium.

Sharma, 25, has played 85 ODIs and 32 T20 Internationals and is a key member of the Mumbai Indians IPL franchise, but is yet to play a Test after narrowly missing out on the distinction when he twisted his ankle during training hours before the commencement of the Nagpur Test against Australia in 2008.

"I have to start my season on a positive note. It will be an important game playing at home. I just need to be positive and I am in a good frame of mind before the start of the match," he told reporters ahead of the 39-time champions' campaign opener.

Sharma was pleased that senior cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan had decided to play the game.

"It's brilliant for Mumbai cricket. They have come together in the past and won us games. It'll be a good boost for Mumbai cricket and all the guys in the team. They can always look upon them and learn something. It will be a big boost for us," he said.

Sharma said batting with Tendulkar for IPL franchise Mumbai Indians has been of great help for him.

"Since I got into the Mumbai Indians team two years back we've been close to each other. He's been following my batting, what I do in the nets and all. And whenever he feels something has to be corrected, he comes and talks to me about what is to be corrected and what I need to work on. We regularly have a chat on how I can improve my cricket," Sharma said.

Sharma said he had been working hard on his fitness.

"I'm just working hard. There's no alternative for fitness. You always feel good when you are fitter. Not only while batting. Even when you're fielding, you can move on the field quickly. All these things really matter. When you are batting you feel you can run well, you can be more flexible in your shots."

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