Rohit Sharma, known for his ability to dominate even the fiercest bowlers on his day, has been facing an unusual and prolonged challenge. For the past 16 months, a particular type of bowler has consistently gotten the better of the Indian opener — left-arm fast bowlers.
A Recurring Problem for the Star Batter
While many would expect a player of Rohit’s caliber to thrive against all kinds of bowling, left-arm pacers have repeatedly exposed a vulnerability in his game. The most recent instance came in the IPL 2025 match between Mumbai Indians and RCB on April 7, where Rohit was dismissed by Yash Dayal after a promising start.
Opening aggressively, Rohit had raced to 17 runs off just 9 balls, including 1 six and 2 fours, but was sent back by the left-arm quick — continuing a pattern that has now become a statistical concern.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Rohit's struggle against left-arm fast bowling in T20s since 2024 paints a clear picture:
- Innings played vs left-arm pacers: 26
- Runs scored: 249
- Balls faced: 157
- Average: 20.75
- Strike Rate: Below 160
- Dismissals: 12 times in 16 months
These figures reveal that left-arm quicks have become a consistent thorn in the side of the veteran opener.
IPL 2025: A Forgettable Start for Rohit
So far, IPL 2025 hasn't been kind to Rohit Sharma. Across 4 innings, he has managed scores of 0, 8, 13, and 17, accumulating just 38 runs in total. Notably, his highest score of 17 also came in the match where he was once again undone by a left-arm pacer.
Mumbai Indians, too, have struggled as a unit — losing 4 out of their 5 matches this season, with Rohit’s underperformance adding to their woes.
Can Rohit Overcome the Left-Arm Barrier?
Rohit Sharma’s weakness against left-arm pace isn’t new, but the consistency of his dismissals over a sustained period raises concerns, especially with more key matches ahead in the IPL and international calendar. While every player goes through rough patches, it remains to be seen if the seasoned opener can find a solution and return to form.
