Published By: Sanchari Das

IND vs. NZ Test: Four Times and Counting— Rohit's Battle With Southee's Swinging Deliveries

Rohit's technical flaws against Southee's swing have been a recurring issue

The Pune stadium was alive with chants of "Mumbai Cha Raja Rohit Sharma" as the crowd eagerly awaited another captain's knock in the second Test against New Zealand. Rohit, fresh from a fifty in the previous match, seemed primed for a big performance. However, the Indian skipper once again found himself on the receiving end of Tim Southee's bowling. The moment he was dismissed, a familiar story unfolded as Rohit fell victim to the Kiwi pacer for the fourth time in Tests.

Southee's dominance over Rohit

Tim Southee's ability to dismiss Rohit Sharma has become a significant milestone in the bowler's career. In international cricket, Southee has removed Rohit 14 times, tying with Kagiso Rabada for the most dismissals against the Indian opener. In Tests alone, the two have faced off eight times, with Southee coming out on top in four of those instances. Rohit has struggled to counter the bowler, managing only 51 runs from 126 balls at an average of 12.75, his technique tested repeatedly.

Struggles against swing

Rohit's technical flaws against Southee's swing have been recurring issues. His approach to playing the lanky pacer's deliveries, especially those swinging away, often leaves him vulnerable. The Indian skipper's indecisive footwork has neither fully forward nor back, which has exposed him to both incoming and outgoing deliveries. Rohit's natural risk-taking approach against swing has cost him dearly, and Southee has exploited this repeatedly, making Rohit a frequent casualty in key moments.

Pune: the fourth dismissal

The fourth time Rohit fell to Southee came during the second Test in Pune. It was the last ball of the third over, and the Indian captain had yet to score. Southee bowled a perfect delivery, pitching in the right area and getting it to move off the seam.

Rohit's attempt to defend from the crease failed, and the ball clipped the top of the off stump after a slight deflection off his back pad. A nine-ball duck marked another frustrating dismissal for Rohit, leaving the crowd stunned.

Bengaluru: a familiar fate

Rohit's third dismissal to Southee occurred in the Bengaluru Test earlier in the same series. This time, a beautiful wobble-seam delivery got the better of him. Southee bowled a good length ball that jagged back just enough to beat Rohit's bat, going on to hit the stumps. The Indian skipper, managing only two runs, once again found himself bowled by his nemesis, with Southee's skilful swing proving too much to handle.

The World Test Championship Final

In the ICC World Test Championship Final in 2021, Rohit's second dismissal to Southee came at a critical moment. Rohit had settled in for 30 runs off 81 balls before Southee bowled him LBW with a perfectly executed plan. After bowling four outswingers, Southee sent in a wobble-seam delivery that went straight on, trapping Rohit on the back pad. Without reviewing, Rohit walked back, and Southee had given New Zealand a crucial breakthrough.

Auckland: the first encounter

Southee dismissed Rohit for the first time in a Test in 2014 during India's tour of New Zealand. In the second innings of the first Test in Auckland, Rohit was caught off guard by an outswinger from Southee. He edged the ball straight to the wicketkeeper and was dismissed for 19. This dismissal was pivotal in India's collapse, with New Zealand winning by 40 runs. Southee had set the tone for what would become a long-standing rivalry between the two players.