Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s participation in the Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Jammu & Kashmir created quite a buzz among fans at the BKC ground in Mumbai. Playing his first domestic first-class match since 2015, Rohit attracted a significant crowd despite Mumbai’s underwhelming performance.
On Day 3 of the match, a fan managed to breach security and made his way onto the field to meet Rohit. A video from the incident shows Rohit placing his arm around the fan’s shoulder before security personnel escorted the individual off the ground. The moment highlighted the immense admiration for the Indian batting star, even as his struggles with form persisted.
Rohit’s Tough Outing on Ranji Return
Rohit had a disappointing return to the Ranji Trophy, scoring just 3 runs off 19 balls in the first innings. Although he showed promise in the second innings, he was dismissed for 28. His prolonged struggles in the longest format of the game continue to be a concern.
Several other Team India stars, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane, and Shreyas Iyer, also played for Mumbai in the match. Jaiswal, who opens alongside Rohit in Test cricket, failed to deliver in both innings, scoring 4 and 26. Rahane and Iyer also endured poor outings as Mumbai succumbed to a five-wicket defeat.
Jammu & Kashmir’s Dominance and Mumbai’s Struggles
This marked Mumbai’s second consecutive home loss to Jammu & Kashmir, with the last defeat coming in 2014. The result further strengthened J&K’s position in the tournament as they now sit atop Group A with 29 points from six games. A draw or first-innings lead against Baroda in their final group-stage match will secure their spot in the next phase.
Baroda, currently at 27 points from five matches, are playing Maharashtra. If they secure a first-innings lead in their match against J&K, Mumbai, who have 22 points from six games, will be eliminated from the group stage, even with a bonus-point win in their final match against Meghalaya.
The match not only underlined Mumbai’s struggles in the Ranji Trophy but also showcased the unwavering fanfare for Rohit Sharma, despite his recent challenges.
