Rohit Sharma Cooking Ranji Return? Check Here How and Why?

Rohit Sharma is set to train with Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad, fueling speculation about his return to domestic cricket after nearly a decade.

Rohit Sharma in Ranji Trophy: Team India captain Rohit Sharma is set to join Mumbai's Ranji Trophy training sessions, sparking widespread speculation about his potential return to the prestigious domestic tournament. 

The 37-year-old opener, who last played in the Ranji Trophy in 2015, is expected to train with the squad starting Tuesday, January 14, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium and Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). Mumbai’s next match, scheduled for January 23 against Jammu & Kashmir, could mark Rohit’s comeback after a decade.

Rohit’s potential participation in the Ranji Trophy could serve as an opportunity to regain his rhythm and confidence ahead of upcoming international assignments. The news has sent excitement rippling through cricketing circles, with many fans eager to see the veteran batter donning Mumbai’s colors once again. 

A Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) source confirmed, “Rohit will join the team’s practice sessions this week alongside Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur, and Shreyas Iyer. While he hasn’t confirmed if he will play the match against J&K, his appearance at training is a positive sign.”

Rohit’s decision to return to domestic cricket aligns with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) renewed push for national players to participate in domestic tournaments actively. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has been vocal about the importance of players staying connected with red-ball cricket at the domestic level, emphasizing it as a pathway to form and consistency.

The Indian skipper’s form has been under scrutiny following a disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia. He managed just 31 runs across five innings, with a highest score of 10. This poor run of form led to his exclusion from the final Test in Sydney, which India eventually lost, capping off a 3-1 series defeat. 

Mumbai’s Ranji team, meanwhile, has been in strong form this season. They currently sit third in Group A, with three wins, one draw, and a single loss from five matches. Led by experienced campaigners like Rahane and featuring young talents eager to make their mark, the team has its eyes set on the knockout stages. Rohit’s inclusion, even for a match or two, would undoubtedly provide a boost both on and off the field.

The buzz surrounding Rohit’s potential Ranji Trophy return has also reignited conversations about other senior players featuring in domestic cricket. 

While Rohit has taken the first step by joining training sessions, fans are curious whether stalwarts like Virat Kohli will follow suit. Kohli’s last appearance in the Ranji Trophy was in 2012, and his return to domestic cricket would further highlight the importance of nurturing red-ball cricket in India.

As speculation continues to swirl, one thing is clear: Rohit Sharma’s presence in the Ranji Trophy, even in training, is a win for Indian cricket. Whether or not he plays on January 23, his involvement underscores the value of domestic cricket as a foundation for both personal and national success.

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