Rohit Sharma‘s much-awaited return to first-class cricket ended abruptly on a cool winter morning in Mumbai as the Indian Captain lasted just 19 balls in his Group A fixture for Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir.
Rohit Sharma’s Brief Stay At The Crease
Rohit Sharma has been struggling with form in red-ball cricket, managing only three runs before being dismissed in an uncharacteristic manner. His brief stay at the crease was the focal point of attention in the lead-up to the match, especially after he confirmed his participation in the game during a Champions Trophy squad announcement last week. His presence was eagerly awaited, but Rohit’s return to Mumbai’s Ranji side could not deliver the hoped-for revival of form.
Rohit Sharma And Jaiswal Open The Batting For Mumbai
Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane decided to bat first and he opened the innings sending the regular test cricket opener, Rohit Sharma, with whom he shares an opening stand for India. The duo of Jaiswal and Sharma had to push Ayush Mhatre out of the playing XI. Mhatre had been the find of the season, basking in glory with some sensational performances.
Rohit Sharma Tested By Jammu & Kashmir Bowlers
Though the air was fresh early in the morning as Mumbai began the day with a break from last week’s scorching heat, Jammu and Kashmir’s opening bowlers, particularly Umar Nazir Mir, capitalized on the early-morning nip. Rohit faced a probing spell, well bowled, especially by Mir, who bowled a tight line outside the off stump and varied his lengths, not allowing the India captain to settle. After seeing two maidens from Mir, Rohit was able to get a single off Auqib Nabi but otherwise was subdued by the tight bowling.
Rohit Sharma Gets Dismissed After Brief Struggle
The breakthrough came on his 17th ball, when Mir got one to move away and Rohit, looking to play his trademark pick-up shot, only managed to edge it to a well-placed Paras Dogra at mid-off. Rohit’s lean run in red-ball cricket continues, with his first-class average for the 2024-25 season now sitting at a dismal 10.43. His brief outing only adds to the growing concern over his form in the longer format of the game.
Rohit Sharma Accompanied By Jaiswal With Lack Of Form
The big hit in Rohit Shrama’s dismissal came after Nabi removed Jaiswal for 4, making Mumbai reel at 9 for 2 at a relatively early stage of the game. A game that started off promisingly for the top order of Mumbai had begun to slip away from the team, as two top-order openers were sent back to the pavilion without scoring too heavily.
Rohit Sharma’s Lean Run In Red-Ball Cricket Continues
For Rohit Sharma, it was another reminder of the challenge he faces in red-ball cricket. His inconsistency at the top order continues to be a talking point ahead of India’s international commitments.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye