IPL 2026: Sandeep Sharma can trap Rohit Sharma with his variations on slow tracks, says Irfan Pathan

Published - 07 Apr 2026, 17:33 IST | Updated - 07 Apr 2026, 17:35 IST

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has suggested that Rajasthan Royals (RR) should bring in veteran pacer Sandeep Sharma right away against Mumbai Indians (MI) opener Rohit Sharma in Guwahati. MI and RR are set to clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Tuesday, April 7.

Rohit has a below average record against Sandeep in the tournament, having scored just 38 runs at an average of 7.6 and a strike rate of 86.4. The former MI captain was dismissed by Sandeep five times which shows the kind of upper-hand the seamer has over Rohit. Pathan pointed out that Sandeep uses his pace brilliantly and poses a big threat to Rohit, if he gets a black soil pitch in the game.

“Sandeep Sharma’s stats against Rohit Sharma are very impressive. In this league, Rohit Sharma has been dismissed by him five times. He uses his variations, hand coming away from the ear, but he consistently bowls in line with the stumps and brings the ball inside. He gives Rohit no room at all and uses his variations. If Sandeep gets a black soil pitch or a slow pitch, then he can trap Rohit with his variations," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

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The veteran all-rounder also conceded that Rohit is expected to counter the opposition pacers by stepping out. Rohit is in sublime form in the current edition where he already notched up a fifty against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their season opener to guide the team to their first win at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

“Now the question is, how will Rohit counter this? I want to see if he steps out. If he steps out and the wicketkeeper comes up, what will be Rohit’s plan then? Will he use the lap shot? This contest will also be very exciting to watch. Right now, it seems that due to form, Rohit Sharma has the upper hand, but Sandeep Sharma is a very experienced bowler. He often stays underrated but has taken many wickets. His record is amazing. He will use his experience and will not back down. That is certain,” said Pathan.