Rohit Sharma's return to the Ranji Trophy after nearly a decade was met with mixed fortunes. In Mumbai's match against Jammu and Kashmir, Sharma's performances were not as impactful as fans might have hoped.
 |
| Image Credits: The Hindu |
Here's a summary based on the latest information:
First Innings: Sharma was dismissed for just 3 runs off 19 deliveries. This was part of a broader disappointing day for Mumbai's batting lineup, with the team struggling to 120 all out. His early dismissal raised questions about his form, especially after a challenging tour in Australia where he scored only 31 runs across five innings.
Second Innings: In the second innings, Sharma showed some signs of recovery by scoring 28 runs off 35 balls, which included a 54-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, he was dismissed soon after, caught at midwicket, and could not convert his start into a substantial score. This performance, while better than the first innings, still left everyone wanting more from the Indian captain.
His return to domestic cricket was highly anticipated, especially after the BCCI's mandate for international players to participate in domestic tournaments to maintain their form. Despite the mixed results, Sharma's participation was notable as it was his first Ranji Trophy appearance since 2015, where he had scored a century against Uttar Pradesh.
The broader context of his performances included a challenging period in Test cricket, leading to discussions about his form and future in the longer format. His involvement in the Ranji Trophy was also seen as an opportunity to regain confidence before the Champions Trophy.
Overall, Sharma's return to the Ranji Trophy was a reminder of the pressures and expectations that come with domestic cricket, especially when international stars participate. While his scores were not high, his presence itself was significant, both for Mumbai's team dynamics and for his own preparation for upcoming international commitments.
