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As a concrete example, consider the Sun and Jupiter in our solar system.
The kinetic energy of rotation of the Sun, calculated from its mass, is about 1.64 x 10^36 joules. It would be less than this as density actually decreases with distance from centre.
The kinetic energy of Jupiter due to its orbital velocity is about 1.62 x 10^35 joules. This is about 10 times less than the Sun's rotational energy.
Now, consider a near-equator tangential hit by a large body traveling in the opposite direction to the Sun's rotation. A body 10 times the size of Jupiter would be enough to nullify the Sun's rotational energy. Of course, the problem is much more complex than this as both bodies are gaseous but the gist of the idea is there.
In fact, if the Sun were rotating 3 times more slowly, a body the size of Jupiter would be enough to match its rotational energy.
Alternatively, if a Jupiter-sized body was traveling 3 times faster than Jupiter is now, it would also match the Sun's rotational energy.
A large enough hit could reverse the rotation of the Sun. The question is more about the origin of such a body.
Regards, Rob.
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