Rohit Sharma, India’s captain and star batsman, is set to make a long-awaited return to domestic red-ball cricket as part of Mumbai’s squad for their Ranji Trophy clash against Jammu and Kashmir on January 23. The match, taking place at the MCA-BKC Ground in Mumbai, will mark Rohit’s first Ranji appearance since 2015. Ajinkya Rahane will lead the 17-member Mumbai squad, which also features notable names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, and Shardul Thakur.
A Decade-Long Wait for Domestic Cricket
At 37, Rohit is looking to regain form after struggling in recent international outings. His most recent red-ball performances include scoring just 31 runs in five innings against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leading to his absence from the final Test in Sydney. This return to domestic cricket comes at a critical juncture as Rohit hopes to rebuild momentum ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
BCCI’s Mandate for Domestic Participation
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently emphasized the importance of centrally contracted players participating in domestic cricket whenever possible. Players who are unable to join their state teams must seek approval from chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. This directive comes after India’s 1-3 series loss to Australia, as the board aims to strengthen the domestic framework.
Preparation for the Ranji Challenge
In preparation for his comeback, Rohit Sharma has been training diligently with the Mumbai Ranji team at the Wankhede Stadium and the BKC Ground. During the Champions Trophy squad announcement, Rohit acknowledged the challenges of aligning international and domestic schedules but emphasized the importance of representing state teams whenever feasible.
Jaiswal and Iyer Boost Mumbai’s Star Power
Mumbai’s squad for the upcoming match boasts a mix of seasoned players and promising talent. Apart from Rohit and Rahane, young opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been in fine form, is expected to play a key role. Shreyas Iyer, who returns from injury, and experienced all-rounders like Shivam Dube and Shardul Thakur add depth to the side.
Fitness Issues Sideline Kohli and Rahul
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will miss Delhi and Karnataka’s upcoming Ranji matches due to fitness concerns. The absence of these key players highlights the ongoing balancing act for India’s senior players between domestic commitments and international responsibilities.
Mumbai Squad for Ranji Trophy Match
Ajinkya Rahane (C), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ayush Mhatre, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhesh Lad, Shivam Dube, Hardik Tamore (WK), Akash Anand (WK), Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Awasthi, Sylvester Dsouza, Royston Dias, Karsh Kothari.
With this high-profile matchup, Mumbai will aim to leverage their experienced lineup and bounce back in the Ranji Trophy, setting the stage for an exciting contest against Jammu and Kashmir.
