Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer on Friday (15th July) highlighted Rohit Sharma’s weakness against left-arm pacers after his dismissal in the second ODI against England at Lord’s. 

There’s no doubt about Rohit's ability as a batter. He’s considered as one of the most versatile batters to have played the game of cricket. But his struggle against the left-arm seamers is something that has been quite evident throughout his career. 

The likes of Mohammad Amir, Trent Boult and Shaheen Afridi had troubled the Indian skipper with their in-swinging deliveries at the start of his innings. 

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In the recently concluded second ODI against England, Rohit was yet again dismissed by the left-arm pacer as Reece Topley got the better of him and sent him back to the hut for a 10-ball duck. 

Topley bowled a perfect length delivery that held its line and kissed Rohit's pads before landing into keeper Jos Buttler's gloves. The umpire raised his finger but Indian skipper went upstairs. But it didn’t make any difference as DRS showed three reds and the batter walked back for a duck.

In an interaction on ESPNCricinfo, Wasim Jaffer highlighted Rohit’s struggle against left-arm seamers. He while praising Topley for his performance criticised the Indian skipper for playing loose shots. 

“We all know Rohit Sharma struggles against left-arm seamers when the ball swings. Reece Topley bowled really well. Even the shot Rohit played before he got out, that was loose as well,” Wasim Jaffer said. 

Jaffer also talked about Dhawan, who scored 9 runs in 26 balls, saying that the southpaw looked rusty and hasn’t found his touch yet. 

“Very unlike batting display. Shikhar Dhawan again, although he got a not out in the first game, he still looks rusty. He hasn’t found his touch because he hasn’t played a lot of cricket,” he said. 

Jaffer concluded by saying that India’s approach was timid and they missed the intent. 

“They came out a little bit in a timid way. I wouldn’t say they were complacent, but playing four maidens… that intent was probably missing at the start. They didn’t come out and hit the ground running," he concluded. 

The series between England and India is levelled at 1-1, with the decider set to take place on Sunday (17th July) in Manchester. 

(ESPNCricinfo inputs)