Watch: Rohit Sharma joins Mumbai's Ranji Trophy practice session
What's the story
Indian cricket team captain, Rohit Sharma, has arrived at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium for a practice match ahead of the upcoming second leg of 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. The clip of the same has gone viral on social media. The Indian skipper will train with fellow cricketers Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur, and Shreyas Iyer for the next round of the tournament starting January 23.
Match uncertainty
Rohit's participation in league match remains uncertain
Rohit's participation in the Ranji Trophy league match against Jammu & Kashmir is still undecided. An MCA source disclosed that although he will be attending the practice sessions, his inclusion in the game is still being considered. "He will be coming for practice sessions with the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team and it is still not decided whether he will be playing," said an MCA official.
Performance review
Rohit's recent performance and future plans
Rohit's recent outing on India's tour of Australia was disappointing as he scored low, following which he stepped down from the XI for the final Test in Sydney. However, he he ruled out the speculations of his retirement from the Test format. Meanwhile, the veteran's last appearance for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy was way back in 2015 against Uttar Pradesh.
Domestic significance
Gambhir emphasizes importance of domestic cricket
Indian team head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has also been a proponent of the importance of domestic cricket. He said, "I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket. That is how much importance domestic cricket needs to be given." Meanwhile, the BCCI has also asked all players to play domestic matches but hasn't made it compulsory for contracted players.
Player participation
Other players gear up for Ranji Trophy
Another key Indian cricket team player, Shubman Gill, is set to play for Punjab in the next Ranji Trophy round against Karnataka. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli's possible appearance for Delhi in the tournament has caught attention. It would be his first appearance since 2012. The BCCI has strict rules for players' absence from domestic cricket unless they have a physio's report and approval from both Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.
Twitter Post
Here is the clip of Rohit's entry at Wankhede!
🚨 Breaking @ImRo45 turning up for the practice session at Wankhede pic.twitter.com/F4gyBnhDEO
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) January 14, 2025