For Rohit Sharma nothing came inside the 'shield' he had created © BCCI

Rohit Sharma, Man of the Match for his twin tons in the Vizag Test, revealed that he shut himself off completely from all the talk outside during his preparation. Opening in a Test match for the first time, Rohit's role was one of the biggest talking points ahead of the series. But for the man himself, nothing came inside the 'shield' he had created.

"I have protected myself with a shield around me for a long time now and all those things that happens outside does not come inside that shield," said Rohit after the game. "So what people talk and what people think of me it 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.

"What happens outside...I never thought, when I was young, what people will talk, whether people will talk about me...Now that people are talking about me I have protected myself with a shield around me and that shield is pretty strong. Nothing comes inside that," he said.

While explaining his mental framework, Rohit also reiterated that he was informed about this plan as many as two years ago and that he was also preparing in the 'nets' accordingly.

"That communication between [the team] management and myself happened [a] long time ago that I might have to do that at some stage. So for the past two or three years I was prepared for it mentally. 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. It's a great start and I have long way to go. It's not the end, it's the start. Good things are about to follow," he said.

Along with Rohit, another talking point ahead of the Test match was the return of Wriddhiman Saha as first-choice wicketkeeper and Rohit was satisfied with the 'keeper's showing in the Test.

"We have grown up in these conditions but It is not easy for the keeper in these conditions because the odd ball turns and stays low... I don't know that much technically but as a 'keeper you have to stay very still and I thought he did a great job. Even today balls which did not carry, [he] his put his body behind to make sure runs are not offered easily. He is helpful in DRS. He is a big part in our line up and that is why he is back in the squad," was Rohit's assessment of Saha.

Saha's return also meant the exit of Rishabh Pant from the eleven. With skipper Kohli also referring to Saha as the best wicketkeeper in the world, there was a clear indication that quality behind the stumps was given precedence in selection. For Rohit, Pant remained a valuable member of the squad and revealed that the youngster was learning in the company of Saha.

"Speaking of Pant, he is definitely a quality that any team wants. Who should play and who should not I am not getting into that but Pant we have for what he can do with the bat. Of course, he is working hard on his game... batting [and] his keeping.

"Keeping plays a big part in these conditions and I am sure [with] the support staff he will get better with time. He can also learn from Saha who plays a big part. In the West Indies, Saha guided him after every session. They have great understanding," said Rohit.