In his much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after nearly a decade, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma showed flashes of brilliance before his innings ended with a disappointing shot. Playing for Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir in a Group A match at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai, Rohit scored a quickfire 28 off 35 balls in the second innings, but his dismissal left fans and teammates wanting more.
A Slow Start in the First Innings
Rohit’s comeback to domestic cricket began on a shaky note as he struggled in the first innings, managing only 3 runs off 19 deliveries before being dismissed. However, determined to bounce back, the elegant opener adopted a more aggressive approach in the second innings, which initially paid off.
Explosive Start in the Second Innings
Rohit started the second innings with intent, sending the very first ball he faced sailing over the bowler’s head for a massive six. The crowd at BKC erupted in chants of “Mumbai chha raja, Rohit Sharma,” as the star batter looked in sublime touch.
The highlight of his brief innings was his ability to mix aggression with classical stroke play. Rohit followed up his initial six with a towering pull shot over square leg and a crisp four through the off-side. A thick edge between gully and slip offered him a lucky boundary early on, but he soon found his rhythm, racing to 21 runs off just 11 balls.
Shifting Gears and Steadying the Ship
As the bowlers adjusted their lengths, Rohit shifted gears, focusing on building his innings. For the next 20 balls, he added only one run, showing a newfound restraint and solid defensive technique. Yudhvir Singh and Auqib Nabi bowled tight lines, making it difficult for the Mumbai opener to score freely.
Despite the pressure, Rohit displayed glimpses of his class, with his footwork and timing looking sharp. Another elegant lofted six down the ground off Yudhvir’s bowling had the crowd on its feet again.
The Dismissal That Ended the Momentum
Just when it seemed Rohit was settling in for a big score, he made a costly mistake. Attempting another lofted shot off Yudhvir’s bowling, Rohit misjudged the pace of the delivery. The ball wasn’t full enough for the shot, resulting in an inside edge that ballooned towards mid-wicket. Abid Mushtaq took a sharp catch to end Rohit’s innings at 28.
The Indian captain stood in disbelief before slowly walking back to the pavilion. His knock, though brief, had provided glimpses of his trademark style and aggression.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s Ranji Trophy comeback may not have produced the big score fans hoped for, but it offered moments of brilliance that reminded everyone of his capabilities. Despite the disappointing dismissal, his explosive start and three towering sixes will give him and Mumbai some confidence as they look to push forward in the competition.
