Image: Rohit Sharma's highly anticipated Ranji Trophy return ended after just 19 balls / © ESPNcricinfo
In the ongoing Ranji Trophy, Rohit Sharma’s much-anticipated return to domestic cricket ended in disappointment as he lasted just 19 balls. Playing for Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir at the BKC ground, Rohit opened the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, his comeback innings came to a premature end when he attempted to flick an outside-off delivery from pacer Umar Nazir, only to miscue it for a simple catch taken by PK Dogra.
The star batter’s dismissal followed Jaiswal’s LBW dismissal by Auqib Nabi for just four runs, leaving Mumbai in an early slump. Rohit, who last played a Ranji game in 2015, marked his return after nearly a decade as part of the BCCI’s mandate for national players to feature in domestic matches to maintain match fitness.
Despite his recent struggles in international cricket against New Zealand and Australia, this outing was seen as a chance for Rohit to regain form. His previous Ranji appearance saw him score a commendable 113 against Uttar Pradesh. Mumbai’s captain, Ajinkya Rahane, opted to bat first, setting the stage for a challenging match against a spirited Jammu and Kashmir side that enthusiastically celebrated Rohit’s wicket.