India's captain, Rohit Sharma, has significantly transformed his batting style with age. The once steady and composed opener has now adopted a much more aggressive approach. This change has not only bolstered India's performance but also provided Bangladesh with a potential advantage as they prepare to face him.
Rohit's batting statistics over the past four years reveal a notable shift. Between 2016 and 2020, he was dismissed by spin only six times. However, from 2021 onwards, his vulnerability to spin has increased, with 15 dismissals against spin bowlers. His average against spin has plummeted from an impressive 92 to 44.13, indicating a clear area of weakness.
In preparation, Rohit has dedicated extensive practice time to mastering the sweep shot against spin. Historically, this shot has not been his forte, often causing him trouble. This was evident during the T20 World Cup, where his struggles with the sweep shot were on display. Consequently, Bangladesh's spinners might look to exploit this weakness by forcing him to play the sweep shot.
As an opener, Rohit faces more deliveries from pacers than spinners. Bangladesh will likely rely on their pace attack, particularly Taskin and Nahid Rana, to challenge him. While Rohit's pull shot is one of his strengths, his timing can falter against high pace, leading to mistimed shots. Bangladesh might consider using short-pitched deliveries to disrupt his rhythm, with fielders strategically placed along the boundary to catch any miscued shots.
During the 2024 IPL, Rohit struggled with full-pitched deliveries from pace bowlers. His attempts to clear the 30-yard circle often resulted in catches at mid-off or mid-on. Bangladesh could set similar traps, encouraging him to play risky shots that could lead to his dismissal.
This comprehensive analysis outlines the strategies Bangladesh might employ to counter Rohit Sharma's aggressive batting style. By focusing on his recent vulnerabilities, particularly against spin and full-pitched pace deliveries, Bangladesh can devise a tactical plan to neutralise one of India's most formidable batsmen.
