Indian top order versus left-arm pacers: A problem that needs a solution

Indian top order and their problems with a left-arm pacer is the same story since the 2019 ODI World Cup in England. From Trent Boult in the 2019 World Cup to Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 2021 T20 World Cup. That's not the end, if you see the stats of the current Indian top-order batsmen against any left-arm pacer in the world you will end out on a shocking note.

The Asia Cup 2022 and T20 World Cup 2022 are currently knocking at the door. So, in this all-important article, we will analyze the Indian top order's stats and records against the left-arm pacers in T20Is one by one. However, we will try to point out the solutions as well.

Also Read: Most Runs in Asia Cup by Indians

Rohit Sharma

T20I stats of Rohit

Innings: 124
Runs: 3487
Average: 31.7
Strike Rate: 140.27
50/100: 30/0
HS: 94

In T20I cricket, Indian opener Rohit Sharma aggregated 3487 runs in 124 innings at an average of 31.7. Rohit maintained a strike rate of 140.27 in T20Is. He has also recorded four centuries (most in the format) and 27 half-centuries in the format. But, when it comes to his records against left-arm pacers it's a clean reality for the Indian captain.

Rohit vs left-arm pacers in T20Is

Innings: 58
Runs: 488
Average: 25.68
Strike Rate: 138.24
Out: 19 times

Against left-arm pacers in T20Is, Rohit Sharma has scored 488 runs with an average of just 25.68 although, Rohit averages 31.7 in T20Is. However, his strike rate also decreases from 140 to 38 against the left-armers.

Rohit has been dismissed a record of 19 times against left-arm pacers which is surely a big concern for the ace Indian opener.

Read Also: Players to be part of Most Wins in T20Is

KL Rahul

T20I stats of Rahul

Innings: 91
Runs: 3308
Average: 50.12
Strike Rate: 137.66
50/100: 30/0
HS: 94

In T20I cricket, Indian opener KL Rahul recorded 1831 runs in 52 innings at 40.69 and a strike rate of 142.49. Moreover, Rahul also registered two centuries and 16 half-centuries in the format so far. Looking to his T20I numbers, we can assume that Rahul is a decent player in T20Is for India but, if you look at his stats against left-arm pacers you will be totally amassed.

Rahul vs left-arm pacers in T20Is

Innings: 27
Runs: 208
Average: 69.33
Strike Rate: 118.18
Out: 3 times

Against left-arm pacers Rahul has aggregated 208 runs in 176 balls (27 innings) at 69.33 and a strike rate of just 118.18 while he strikes 142 in T20Is. Moreover, KL Rahul has thrown his wicket three times against left-arm pacers that includes the wicket of Shahen Shah Afridi.

Also Read: India's last 12 T20Is in detail

Virat Kohli

T20I stats of Kohli

Innings: 91
Runs: 3308
Average: 50.12
Strike Rate: 137.66
50/100: 30/0
HS: 94

Now at last we comes to the former Indian captain and already an India great Virat Kohli. In T20Is, Kohli has ammased 3308 runs in 91 innings at an impressive average of 50.13 with a strike rate of 137.66. He has also recorded 30 fifties in the format so far and with a highest score of 94.

Kohli vs left-arm pacers in T20Is

Innings: 47
Runs: 352
Average: 35.20
Strike Rate: 124.82
Out: 10 times

However, when it comes to face left-arm pacers the story is same as like both Indian openers Rohit and Rahul. Against left-arm pacers Kohli has registered 352 runs in 282 balls(47 innings) he faced. However, Virat has averaging 35.20 against the left-arm pacers while his average is 50 in T20Is. Kohli's strike rate against left-arm pacers is 124.82 while he averages 137 in T20Is.

Kohli has been dismissed a total of 10 times against left-arm pacers in T20Is, which is a bad number if we compare Kohli's stats in T20 internationals.

So it's a clear indicate that Kohli struggles with left arm pacers just like the Indian openers on this list.

Read Also: Most T20I runs as Indian Captain

The threat against Pakistan left arm pacer, Shaheen Afridi will be their waiting in the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup for the Indian top three.

Solution

The only solution that we can find is to practice more against left-arm pacers to be more accurate at the match. Now, we have Arshdeep Singh in the squad who is a left arm pacer. We can also add some young players as a net bowler like IPL 2022 star Mohsin Khan for the sake of Indian top order batters.