Sandeep Sharma's projected WAR/M of 0.46 is the highest among any bowler in RR's squad. His bowling WAR/M of 0.44 across 3599 career bowling balls and 162 matches makes him one of the most proven powerplay specialists in IPL history. His regressed WAR/M of 0.39 confirms the value holds after accounting for sample variance.

The model deploys him as a new-ball specialist, bowling all 3 of his overs in the powerplay. His PVS of 0.71 is the highest of any RR bowler.

Powerplay Domination

Sharma's powerplay economy of 7 is 1 run per over below the 9 league average. His powerplay boundary rate sits at 17% against a 22% average. These are the numbers of a bowler who controls the most difficult phase to bowl in.

The bowling role fit score of 1.03 confirms the new-ball assignment is correct. His scores across phases tell the story: New Ball 1.03, Middle 0.43, Death 0.45. He is a powerplay bowler. Using him elsewhere wastes his elite skill.

The Catch: Dot Ball Rate

One number stands out as a concern. His overall dot rate of 33% trails the 37% league average. For a bowler with elite economy and boundary suppression, that combination suggests he concedes runs through singles and twos rather than boundaries. Batters work him around, but they cannot clear the fence.

In the powerplay specifically, his dot rate of 38% is closer to average. The overall drag comes from his limited middle and death work, which the model avoids by restricting him to 3 powerplay overs.

Ecae Context

His Ecae of 0.25 means he saves a quarter-run per over above expected. That may sound modest, but across 3 overs per match and 14 matches, it compounds to meaningful run savings for the team total.

His bowling surplus of 9 runs above replacement per season is solid for a bowler who only bowls 3 overs.

What This Means for IPL 2026

Sharma's value is phase-specific and irreplaceable. No one else on RR's roster can replicate his powerplay economy. If he stays healthy across 14 matches, those 3 overs of elite new-ball bowling set the tone for RR's entire bowling strategy. The model projects him as more valuable than Jofra Archer or Nandre Burger because his phase specialization is more extreme and more consistent. His xImpact of 55 is the highest among RR's bowlers, confirming his outsized influence on match outcomes despite bowling fewer overs than his pace partners.