Rohit Sharma marked his return to the Ranji Trophy, but his innings lasted for only 19 balls. Indian captain Rohit Sharma couldn’t get his act right at the Sharad Pawar Academy in BKC, Mumbai, where he is playing a Group A fixture against Jammu and Kashmir. The three runs managed didn’t get enough for him to see a comeback as his return ended almost before it started.

Ayush Mhatre Dropped To Accommodate Rohit Sharma

Mumbai had to drop one of the standout performers in the season – Ayush Mhatre, to make space for Rohit and Jaiswal at the top of the order. In his debut year, Mhatre had scored 408 runs from nine innings at an impressive average of 45.33, including two centuries. It was a tough call, making way for Rohit, considering his current form.

Early Struggles Against Jammu & Kashmir’s Bowlers

Mumbai was greeted by a cool winter morning in Mumbai, after almost a week of blazing heat. It was the same story for the opening bowlers of Jammu and Kashmir though. Rohit got off to a single and was under immediate pressure. Umar Nazir Mir bowled tight lines and lengths, frustrating Rohit, as he was made quiet by several maiden overs.

The Breakthrough: Early Dismissal of Rohit Sharma

Rohit’s vigil at the crease came to an end on his 17th ball. Mir continued his tight bowling by holding a length ball outside off, which in swing, left the batsman a little. Rohit, going for his trademark pick-up shot over midwicket, ended up getting a leading edge, as Paras Dogra at extra cover snapped it up. The latest wicket was one more against Rohit during the lean run in red-ball cricket.

Lowest Batting Average Since 2006

This early exit from the Ranji Trophy adds to Rohit’s struggles in recent red-ball cricket performances. During the home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand in 2024, he managed just one half-century in ten innings, and in Australia, where he played in three of five Tests, he had only one double-digit score in five innings. His batting average for the Test season of 2024-25 is minimal at 10.93 while his first class average is equally low at 10.43 in 16 innings, something that ranks lowest in recent history.

Rohit Sharma’s Form: A Serious Matter Of Concern

Rohit’s short spell in the Ranji Trophy has only added to his form struggles, but it is obvious that his red-ball cricket career is not coming to an end anytime soon. With major international series lined up, including the 2025 Champions Trophy, there is still time for Rohit to get back on track. But the pressure is mounting as the Indian captain looks to rediscover his rhythm and get back to his best before the international season picks up.