Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Jan 20 : Rohit Sharma, the captain of India’s Test and ODI teams, is set to play his first Ranji Trophy match since 2015 after he has been included in Mumbai’s squad for their upcoming match against Jammu and Kashmir, starting on January 23 at the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai.
This marks Sharma’s return to domestic cricket after a gap of nearly nine years, with his last appearance in a first-class match being in September 2016.
Besides Sharma, young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has also been named in the squad, which will be led by Ajinkya Rahane, who guided Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy title last season.
The 17-player squad includes several other prominent players, such as Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, and Shardul Thakur. Ayush Mhatre, a promising India U19 batter, is also part of the team.
Sharma had confirmed his participation in the Ranji Trophy match after the announcement of India’s squads for the ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy.
He said that his busy international schedule had prevented him from playing in domestic tournaments in recent years, but now, with domestic cricket being made mandatory during available breaks, he decided to play in the match against Jammu and Kashmir.
Other Indian cricketers, including Ravindra Jadeja (Saurashtra), Rishabh Pant (Delhi), and Shubman Gill (Punjab), will also be taking part in the current round of the Ranji Trophy, which marks the second leg of the competition.
Notably, Mumbai has played five matches in the ongoing season, winning three, losing one, and drawing one. They currently sit third in the Elite Group A points table, behind Baroda and Jammu and Kashmir.
The upcoming match against Jammu and Kashmir is vital for Mumbai, who are aiming to improve their standing in the group.
The Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) squad for the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season will be led by the experienced Paras Dogra, who has been appointed as the captain, with Shubham Khajuria serving as the vice-captain. The 15-member squad is a well-balanced mix of seasoned players and promising young talent, ensuring the team has both depth and dynamism.
International pacer Umran Malik, known for his fiery pace, headlines the squad, while players like Abdul Samad, recognized for his explosive batting in limited-overs formats, and Vivrant Sharma, a versatile all-rounder, add strength to the lineup. Shivansh Sharma will take on the role of wicketkeeper-batter, adding to the team’s versatility.
Other notable members of the squad include Ahmed Banday, Abhinav Puri, Shubham Pundir, Sahil Lotra, Abid Mushtaq, and Yudhvir Singh, all of whom are expected to contribute significantly in their respective roles.
With the inclusion of talented cricketers like Aquib Nabi and Rasikh Salam, the team aims to leverage its diverse skill set to make an impact in India’s premier domestic cricket competition.
Meanwhile, the cricket fans are buzzing as Rohit Sharma, captain of India’s Test and ODI teams, is set to play his first Ranji Trophy match since 2015. His inclusion in Mumbai’s squad for the upcoming clash with Jammu & Kashmir has sparked widespread excitement.
“Jammu & Kashmir will have their work cut out against Mumbai, especially with Rohit Sharma back in action after so many years! If they can step up, this could be a huge moment. Let’s see what the squad has in store! #RanjiTrophy,” wrote a social media user.
“Rohit Sharma in Ranji after almost a decade—J&K have a real challenge ahead, but with their young guns like Umran Malik and Abdul Samad, they might just pull off something special,” another X user said—(KNO)
