While Rohit Sharma is now known for his powerful batting and astute captaincy in the IPL, a lesser-known chapter in his career involves a bowling masterclass.
In the 2009 edition of the league, playing for the Deccan Chargers against his future team, the Mumbai Indians, Sharma achieved a rare feat — a hat-trick. This remarkable performance, a stark contrast to his usual role as a dominant batsman, deserves a closer look.
The stage was set at Centurion, South Africa, for Match Number 32 of the 2009 IPL. The Deccan Chargers were chasing a modest target set by the Mumbai Indians. Rohit, primarily known for his batting prowess, was handed the ball in the 16th over with the Mumbai Indians needing just around 40 runs for victory.
This was a time when the IPL was still finding its footing on the international stage. The 2009 edition, held in South Africa due to security concerns in India, saw the emergence of young talents and exciting moments. Rohit Sharma, then a rising star, was yet to establish himself as the batting maestro he is today.
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 19, 2024
What followed was a sequence that surprised everyone, including Rohit himself. With the penultimate ball of his first over, he dismissed Abhishek Nayar, who attempted a paddle sweep but missed the ball completely and was bowled. The tension escalated as Harbhajan Singh, the next batsman, perhaps unaware that JP Duminy was at the non-striker’s end,tried a powerful shot off the very first delivery he faced. Rohit, with a touch of magic, clean bowled him, sending shivers down the Mumbai Indians’ batting order.
The crowd erupted, and the pressure shifted significantly. With two wickets down in two balls, the momentum swung decisively in favor of the Deccan Chargers. Seeing his bowling effectiveness, captain Adam Gilchrist opted for an unexpected move — he handed the ball back to Rohit for the 18th over.
This decision proved to be a stroke of genius. On the very first ball of his second over, Rohit completed a hat-trick,dismissing the well-set South African batsman, JP Duminy. Duminy attempted a sweep shot but mistimed it, resulting in a simple catch for wicket-keeper Gilchrist behind the stumps.
The crowd roared, celebrating Rohit’s unexpected bowling heroics. This hat-trick, achieved with a mix of pace and accuracy, was only the second of the 2009 IPL season, with Yuvraj Singh having already claimed two hat-tricks earlier.
𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 🏁 pic.twitter.com/9Zo5heBN80
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) April 7, 2024
Rohit’s bowling spell not only surprised everyone but also proved to be a match-winner. He finished his two overs with an exceptional bowling figure of 4 wickets for just 6 runs, completely derailing the Mumbai Indians’ chase. In addition to his bowling heroics, Rohit also contributed with the bat, scoring a valuable 38 runs off 36 balls at the top of the order.
This remarkable performance cemented Rohit’s reputation as a valuable all-rounder, even if his bowling prowess remained largely untapped throughout his IPL career. It showcased his ability to adapt to different situations and contribute to the team’s success in any way possible. The win against the Mumbai Indians propelled the Deccan Chargers forward in their IPL 2009 campaign, which they ultimately went on to win under the leadership of Adam Gilchrist.
Rohit Sharma’s solitary hat-trick highlights his ability to contribute to the team’s success in any way possible. It’s a reminder that even the most established players can surprise us with their hidden skills, making the IPL a truly captivating spectacle.
