Rohit Sharma Struggles in Ranji Trophy Spark Fan Frustration

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Rohit Sharma Struggles in Ranji Trophy Spark Fan Frustration

India’s Test captain, Rohit Sharma, faced a tough return to domestic cricket as his struggles with form continued in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. Playing for Mumbai after nearly a decade, Sharma managed only 3 runs before being dismissed by pacer Umar Nazir Mir on the opening day against Jammu and Kashmir at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai. Facing just 19 deliveries, his early dismissal left fans disappointed, leading some to leave the stadium. This performance has added to his series of lackluster innings, raising concerns about his current form.

Rohit’s performance marked a significant low in his cricketing career. His first-class batting average for the 2024/25 season has dropped to 10.43 across 16 innings, the lowest for any Indian batter in the top six with at least 15 innings since 2006. Comparatively, England’s Haseeb Hameed holds the overall record with an average of 9.44 in 18 innings during the 2018 season. Rohit’s recent outings in international Test cricket have also been concerning, managing just 31 runs across five innings during India’s tour of Australia. His performance in the 2024/25 Test season has been dismal, with only 164 runs in eight matches at an average of 10.93. A solitary half-century against Bangladesh was his highest score during this period.

Rohit’s challenges as a captain have also come under scrutiny. Before the Test series against Australia, India experienced their first home Test series defeat in 12 years, losing 0-3 to New Zealand—a first-ever whitewash at home since 2000. While India managed a strong 295-run victory in the first Test against Australia under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy, Rohit rejoined the team for the remaining matches following the birth of his second child. However, his return failed to boost the team’s performance.

Mumbai Cricket Association’s senior selection committee had announced Rohit’s inclusion on January 20, generating anticipation for his Ranji Trophy return. Unfortunately, the outcome did not meet expectations. His partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, also failed to deliver, scoring only 4 runs before being trapped LBW by Auqib Nabi. The pair’s early dismissals left Mumbai struggling in their innings.

The 2024/25 Ranji Trophy season has witnessed competitive matches across various venues. In other games, Bengal was trailing Haryana by 147 runs, while Maharashtra put up 258/7 against Baroda. Hyderabad had a strong start with 291/2 against Himachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu posted 301 against Chandigarh. These performances showcased a mix of challenges and resilience among teams, contrasting with Mumbai’s struggles.

Rohit’s current form has sparked debate among fans and experts about his place in the national team. Calls for changes in the squad have grown louder, with some suggesting that his captaincy and batting roles be reassessed. His disappointing average and inability to convert starts into significant scores have raised questions about his preparation and focus. Analysts have pointed out that maintaining consistency in domestic cricket is crucial for players looking to regain form at the international level.

While Rohit’s track record as a seasoned cricketer cannot be overlooked, his recent performances underscore the need for introspection and adjustments. His contributions in the past have been instrumental in India’s successes, but the current phase calls for a renewed approach. Supporters hope to see him bounce back and regain his confidence, ensuring that his presence in the team remains impactful.

As the Ranji Trophy progresses, teams and players continue to battle for dominance, with standout performances emerging across the board. Meanwhile, the spotlight remains on Rohit Sharma, whose return to form will be crucial not just for Mumbai’s campaign but also for India’s future endeavors in international cricket. Fans await with bated breath for the “Hitman” to rediscover his rhythm and silence his critics.

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