Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Rohit Sharma’s bad form continues! Will he bounce back before Champions Trophy?
Xtra Time Web Desk: Rohit Sharma’s highly anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy ended in disappointment as the India captain managed just three runs off 19 balls in Mumbai’s Group A clash against Jammu & Kashmir at the Sharad Pawar Academy in Mumbai.
Making his first-class comeback after a string of low scores in international cricket, Rohit was the center of attention after confirming his participation in the Ranji Trophy during the Champions Trophy squad announcement last week. However, his outing was cut short by a disciplined spell from Jammu & Kashmir’s Umar Nazir Mir, who dismissed Rohit with a leading edge in the fifth over of the match.
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A Determined Start Cut Short
Opening the innings alongside his regular Test partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit walked out with a determined look as Mumbai opted to bat first. His inclusion in the playing XI meant that Ayush Mhatre, one of Mumbai’s standout performers this season, was left out despite scoring 408 runs at an average of 45.33.
On a cool winter morning in Mumbai, Rohit began cautiously. While Auqib Nabi gave him little room, Mir maintained a tight line and length, keeping Rohit quiet with two consecutive maidens. Rohit managed to score a couple of runs through the covers but struggled to find rhythm.
Mir finally got his reward on his 17th delivery. Bowling a length ball just outside off, he drew a leading edge from Rohit, who attempted a pick-up shot over midwicket. The ball flew to Paras Dogra at extra cover, who completed the catch to end Rohit’s short stay.
Continued Struggles in Red-Ball Cricket
Rohit’s dismissal extended his lean patch in first-class cricket. Across 16 innings in the 2024-25 season, he has averaged just 10.43, the second-lowest for any batter in the top six (minimum 15 innings) since 2006. Only England’s Haseeb Hameed, with an average of 9.44 in 2018, has fared worse.
This form mirrors his struggles in Test cricket, where he managed just one half-century in five home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand last year. His performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was similarly underwhelming, with a single double-digit score in five innings during India’s tour of Australia.
Early Blow for Mumbai
Rohit’s dismissal was followed by the fall of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who managed just 4 runs. Nabi delivered a sharp in-swinging delivery that caught Jaiswal deep in the crease, trapping him plumb in front of the stumps. The early dismissals left Mumbai reeling in their opening session.
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