Rohit Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi: Why The Left-Arm Pacer Can Expose India Skipper?

Rohit Sharma and Shaheen Afridi [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

The India and Pakistan rivalry is set to be seen after an unwanted gap and fans are excited for it. With the greatest cricketing rivalry staged for February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, both teams will be up against an arsenal of strong bowlers and fiery batters.

However, besides the usual fiery banters on-field, the marquee match will also feature a high-stakes duel between Shaheen Afridi’s raw pace and Rohit Sharma’s explosive intent. 

After a rare off-day against New Zealand, Afridi faces pressure to rediscover his rhythm, while Rohit Sharma will be ready to fire from the onset. Here's how things are going to get spiced up between the two in the clash.

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Why Will Rohit Sharma Be Important For India?

• Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper, has always been the backbone of India's fiery start in any match. With his aggressive and explosive intent, Rohit can give a much-needed boost to India in the powerplays alongside the calm and composed Shubman Gill.
• Rohit has been a fearless striker against Pakistan who can put India on the front foot from the very start and his ODI stats against Pakistan prove his intent. In 19 ODI matches, Rohit has amassed a strike rate of 92.4 and also bagged 8 fifties backing his explosive opening performances.
• Moreover, if Rohit crosses the 40-run mark within the first few overs, it will set up a solid scoreline for Gill, Kohli and Iyer to carry forward the momentum. With an average of 51.4 against Pakistan, Sharma can ramp up things in Dubai.

Rohit Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi

Table - Rohit Sharma vs Left-Arm Pacers In ODIs

Rohit Sharma’s ODI pedigree against left-arm pace is formidable. A 47.1 average and 1,696 runs at a strike rate of 89.3. However, his 36 dismissals to left-armers reveal a recurring challenge. 

Table - Rohit Sharma's Stats Against Shaheen Afridi in ODIs

Against Shaheen specifically, Rohit averages just 24, scoring 48 runs off 56 balls while falling twice. This head-to-head skews in Afridi’s favour, with Rohit’s tendency to attack early potentially playing into the pacer’s hands.

Why Shaheen Afridi Can Be A Trouble For Rohit Sharma?

Afridi’s dominance against right-handed batters amplifies the threat he can pose to Rohit Sharma. With 83 wickets at an average of 24.4 and 60.6% dot balls, his ability to stifle flow and induce errors is well-documented. 

Table - Shaheen Afridi's Stats Against Right-Hand Batters In ODIs

Afridi's angle across the right-hander, coupled with a late swing, could exploit Rohit’s early aggression. If Afridi lands his yorkers or tests Sharma with short-pitched deliveries, a weakness occasionally exposed, he could disrupt India’s powerplay plans.

Rohit’s 41 against Bangladesh showcased his intent to dominate from ball one, a strategy that allows Shubman Gill to anchor. However, Afridi’s knack for striking early, paired with Rohit’s middling returns against him, adds intrigue. 

For Pakistan, dismissing Rohit cheaply would not only dent India’s momentum but also expose a middle-order less accustomed to rebuilding under pressure.

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