Jobaaj Stories
Rohit Sharma’s much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy ended in disappointment, as he was dismissed for just 3 runs in Mumbai's Group A match against Jammu and Kashmir. This was his first Ranji match since 2015, and the India captain was under intense scrutiny due to his ongoing poor form in Test and ODI cricket.
Rohit walked out to open the innings alongside his regular India partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, after Mumbai's captain, Ajinkya Rahane, decided to bat first. Rohit was initially relaxed and joking with his teammates during the warm-up, but the pressure was on once he took his place at the crease. His presence in the game had drawn attention ever since his announcement at the Champions Trophy squad press conference, and fans hoped this would mark the start of his return to form.
Rohit's Struggles Against Jammu and Kashmir's Bowlers
Jammu and Kashmir's bowlers, especially Umar Nazir Mir and Auqib Nabi, made the most of the morning conditions and troubled Rohit early on. Rohit faced a tough challenge, struggling against the bouncers and maintaining minimal scoring. Despite surviving a few tight overs, he was eventually dismissed after facing 19 balls. Mir bowled a short length delivery, and Rohit misjudged the shot, resulting in a leading edge. Yudhvir Singh took a well-placed catch to dismiss the Mumbai opener, ending his brief stay at the crease.
This dismissal marks another setback in Rohit's form. His poor run in red-ball cricket has continued, with just one half-century from his last 10 innings in Test cricket. His first-class batting average for the 2024-25 season remains low, further adding to the pressure on him.
Early Setbacks for Mumbai in the Match
Before Rohit’s dismissal, Mumbai had already lost Jaiswal for just 4 runs. The early wickets were a setback for Mumbai, and the team will hope for a strong recovery as the match progresses. Rohit's lean run in domestic cricket has raised questions about his future form, and fans are eager to see whether he can turn things around in upcoming matches. Despite his struggles, he remains a crucial player for India, and his performance in the remaining domestic games will be closely watched.
In other news, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the Indian team will sport Pakistan's name on their jerseys during the Champions Trophy 2025. This decision comes after some initial resistance, but BCCI has agreed to follow the ICC guidelines.
