India captain Rohit Sharma bounced back from a disappointing first-innings dismissal with a fiery start in the second innings of the Ranji Trophy Group A match between Mumbai and Jammu and Kashmir at the BKC ground in Mumbai. Returning to Ranji cricket after nearly a decade, Rohit had been dismissed for just 3 runs off 19 balls on Day 1. Determined to make amends, he adopted a more aggressive approach on Day 2, which initially paid off but ultimately ended in frustration.
Rohit began his innings with flair, smashing a magnificent six straight over the bowlerโs head, immediately signalling his intent. While his 28-run knock showed glimpses of vintage Rohit, it was also laced with moments of uncertainty. In the fourth over, he survived a dropped return catch by Umar Nazir. Seizing the reprieve, he followed up with a powerful pull shot for six over square leg.
Moments later, a thick outside edge raced between gully and slip for four, followed by a cracking off-side drive, thrilling the small crowd that erupted into chants of โMumbai chha raja, Rohit Sharma.โ Blazing to 21 off just 11 balls, Rohit seemed poised for a big innings. However, the bowlers, particularly Yudhvir Singh and Auqib Nabi, adjusted their lengths and tightened the screws.
WATCH โ Umar Nazir Dismisses Rohit Sharma But Chooses Not To Celebrate In Ranji Trophy Clash
For the next 20 deliveries, Rohit managed just a single run, but his defensive play looked solid and assured. He showcased his class with a beautifully lofted six off Yudhvir, his third maximum of the innings, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Everyone deserves a morning like this.๐ค๐ป๐ญ๐ pic.twitter.com/rE4jCboway
โ ` (@Rii45___) January 24, 2025
Rohit Sharma Pull Shot After 100+ Days ๐ฅบโค๏ธ!
pic.twitter.com/RwZQVy2yhDโ ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ (@jod_insane) January 24, 2025
The crowd started loudly chanting โMumbai Cha Raja Rohit Sharma
When Rohit came to field on the boundary line.๐ฅนโค๏ธ๐ฅThe craze and love for boss @ImRo45 ๐ pic.twitter.com/DM6v1Ns8c2
โ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ข๐ขโดโต (@rushiii_12) January 23, 2025
We are cooked if we carry Rohit Sharma to England with this batting technique ๐คกpic.twitter.com/6Lcet6YI0B
โ Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) January 24, 2025
Just as it seemed Rohit was settling in for a substantial knock, his innings came to a disappointing end. Attempting another lofted shot, Rohit mistimed a delivery that wasnโt full enough to drive. Misjudging Yudhvirโs subtle change of pace, he got an inside edge, and the ball lobbed towards mid-wicket, where Abid Mushtaq took a sharp catch.
ALSO READ: Virender Sehwag and Aarti Ahlawat Reportedly Headed for Separation After 20 Years
Rohit stood momentarily, head tilted back in disappointment, before taking the slow walk back to the pavilion. His 28 off 35 balls had flashes of brilliance but fell short of the substantial contribution Mumbai needed. Despite the early promise, his dismissal left fans and teammates yearning for the big score that remains elusive in his domestic return.
