NEW DELHI: India’s Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma has joined the Mumbai squad for training sessions ahead of the second phase of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season. The team is gearing up for their sixth-round home fixture against Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to begin on January 23 at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).
Rohit participated in a two-hour center-wicket session at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday alongside his domestic outfit teammates. These sessions are expected to continue through the week under the guidance of Mumbai’s head coach Omkar Salvi.
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While the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has yet to confirm the squad for the match, Rohit’s decision to train with the group suggests he may make himself available for at least one of the two remaining games in the tournament’s league phase.
A source close to the MCA told TOI on Monday, “Rohit has told the MCA that he will come for practice. At the moment, there are all indications that he’s keen to play the match versus J&K.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an informal advisory urging Team India players to prioritise Ranji Trophy participation when not on national duty or recovering from injuries. This aligns with Rohit’s decision to link up with the Mumbai team, even as he faces criticism for a lean patch in international cricket.
Rohit’s recent form has drawn scrutiny, with just 31 runs in three Tests during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Mumbai will be hoping to bolster their squad with the experience of Rohit Sharma as they look to secure crucial wins in the final phase of the Ranji Trophy league stage. The MCA is expected to finalise and announce the team later this week.
