Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Team India captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed his participation in the second phase of the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai. The announcement came during a press conference on Saturday, where Rohit and chief selector Ajit Agarkar unveiled the 15-member squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 and the ODI series against England.
When asked by a journalist about his Ranji Trophy plans, Rohit, 37, stated unequivocally, “He will.” This return to domestic cricket marks a significant moment in Rohit’s career, coinciding with ongoing debates about his future in Test cricket.
Rohit’s Test Struggles and Determination
Rohit has faced scrutiny over his recent performances in Test cricket. During the Australia tour, he managed only 31 runs across five innings in three Tests. His home season in 2023-24 was also underwhelming, with an average of 13.30 in ten innings against Bangladesh and New Zealand. The period saw India suffering a historic 3-0 home whitewash against New Zealand, a first in a three-match series or more.
Despite these challenges, Rohit remains committed to the longest format of the game, reaffirming his dedication to improving his red-ball performances.
Domestic Cricket Now Mandatory
During the press conference, Rohit highlighted the challenge of balancing international and domestic commitments, especially given the packed international calendar. However, he acknowledged the importance of domestic cricket and emphasized that BCCI’s new policies mandate participation in domestic tournaments for national team selection.
“In the last 6-7 years, there has not been a time where we have been sitting at home for 45 days. Our domestic season starts in October, and at that time India plays a lot of cricket as well,” Rohit said.
He added, “Guys who are not playing certain formats and have time, and there is domestic cricket happening, then they will play. Now it has been made mandatory that if you have time, you have to play domestic cricket.”
Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy Campaign
Mumbai, the reigning Ranji Trophy champions, are well-positioned to advance to the knockout stage. With three wins in five matches, the team currently sits third in Group A, trailing Jammu and Kashmir by just one point. Rohit’s inclusion is expected to bolster the squad as they aim to defend their title.
BCCI’s New Domestic Cricket Policy
Earlier this week, the BCCI announced new guidelines linking national team eligibility and central contracts to participation in domestic cricket. The policy underscores the need to maintain a connection with the domestic cricket ecosystem. Exceptions will only be made under extraordinary circumstances.
Rohit Sharma’s return to the Ranji Trophy is seen as a move to comply with these regulations and an opportunity for the seasoned cricketer to regain form in red-ball cricket.