India captain Rohit Sharma made a surprise appearance at Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy training session at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. Amid growing criticism of Indian cricketers skipping domestic cricket, Rohit’s participation highlights a potential shift in priorities as India grapples with a poor run in Test cricket, which has seen six losses in their last eight matches since October.
Rohit’s Presence Sparks Interest
Rohit’s arrival at the Wankhede Stadium was captured on social media, and reports confirmed that he actively participated in the training session. The 37-year-old batted alongside veteran Ajinkya Rahane, further fueling speculation about his involvement in Mumbai’s next Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to take place at the MCA Cricket Ground on January 23.
According to the Hindustan Times, Rohit had informed the Mumbai team management about his decision to attend the session but has yet to confirm his availability for the upcoming match.
An MCA source shared, “Rohit will train with the Ranji Trophy team today. Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur, and Shreyas Iyer will also join the session. However, Rohit hasn’t communicated if he will be available for the match. He will confirm in due time.”
Mumbai’s Current Ranji Trophy Campaign
Mumbai currently sits third in Group A of the Ranji Trophy standings, behind Baroda and Jammu and Kashmir. The team has secured three wins from their five matches so far, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
Rohit’s Struggles in Recent Tours
Rohit’s decision to join the Ranji team comes after a disappointing tour of Australia, where he managed just 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.2. His poor form extended from September, during which he scored only 164 runs in eight matches at an average of 10.93.
Rohit opted out of the series-deciding Test in Sydney, further highlighting his struggles. This, combined with Virat Kohli’s inconsistent performances during the same period, reignited debates about the importance of domestic cricket for Indian players.
Calls for Domestic Cricket Participation
India head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized the need for senior players to participate in domestic cricket, stating, “I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket. If players commit to red-ball cricket, they should make themselves available for domestic matches.”
Gambhir further stressed, “Without giving importance to domestic cricket, you cannot develop the players needed for Test cricket. Playing one game isn’t enough—regular participation is key.”
What’s Next for Rohit Sharma?
While Rohit’s appearance at the training session is a positive sign, his potential inclusion in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy squad remains uncertain. However, his involvement has already sparked a broader conversation about the role of senior players in reviving the domestic cricket structure.
