Rohit Sharma's Vulnerability to Left-Arm Pace: A Growing Concern

Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper, has been struggling against left-arm pacers in recent times. His vulnerability to this type of bowling has been a recurring theme, with several bowlers exploiting his weaknesses to dismiss him.

A Pattern of Dismissals

Since his dismissal in the 2023 World Cup, Rohit has been struggling against left-arm pacers. In 26 innings, he has given away his wickets to left-arm fast bowlers 12 times, nearly 50 percent of the time. This trend has continued in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has fallen to left-arm pacers twice in four innings.

Statistics

• In 157 balls faced from left-arm pacers in T20s since the start of 2024, Rohit has scored 249 runs at a strike rate of over 158 but at a lowly average of 20.75.
• His dot ball percentage stands at 44.5, while his boundary percentage is 27.38.

Coaches Weigh In

RCB batter Devdutt Padikkal attributed the success of left-arm pacer Yash Dayal to the team's research and planning. "I am aware that a lot of left-hand pacers have bowled to Rohit in the past and had success against him. So I'm sure that was the thinking behind that move."

A noted IPL coach analyzed Rohit's struggles against left-arm pacers, saying, "He doesn't release his back foot, allowing the ball to sneak through the gap. Especially after planting the front foot, it becomes a double whammy."

Mahela Jayawardene's Perspective

MI coach Mahela Jayawardene downplayed the issue, saying, "I wouldn't read into that too much. It's something that I'm sure that Ro will work hard on, definitely." He also drew parallels with the way bowlers of the past exploited right-handed batsmen.

Next Up: Mitchell Starc

Rohit and Jayawardene will need to address this pattern of dismissals soon, as the Mumbai Indians face a clash against Delhi Capitals on April 13, with Mitchell Starc raring to have a go at him.