This will be Rohit’s first domestic outing since November 2015, when he last played against Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy
India captain Rohit Sharma is all set to play his first Ranji Trophy match for Mumbai in nearly a decade, drawing significant attention from cricket enthusiasts. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has made special seating and security arrangements at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to accommodate the anticipated crowd for the match, which starts on Thursday.
This will be Rohit’s first domestic outing since November 2015, when he last played against Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy. The defending champions Mumbai will face Jammu and Kashmir in the second leg of the tournament, with Rohit named in the 17-member squad alongside young Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Anticipation For Rohit’s Return
The MCA is expecting a packed venue for the high-profile game. However, the seating capacity at the BKC ground is limited to 500 spectators. To manage the anticipated turnout, the MCA has increased seating capacity and arranged additional security. “We have made special arrangements for fans and increased the sitting capacity to accommodate up to 500 people,” an MCA official told PTI.
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar welcomed Rohit’s return to domestic cricket, highlighting the importance of match practice. Speaking to *India Today*, Gavaskar said, “It’s a good thing because he didn’t get runs in Australia, so he knows he needs to spend time in the middle. No amount of net practice or throwdowns can replicate the feeling of batting in a match, where every mistake could send you back to the pavilion. Scoring runs in such situations is a big confidence booster.”
Mumbai’s Road Ahead
Currently, Mumbai is ranked third in Elite Group A, trailing Baroda and Jammu and Kashmir. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, the team faces a crucial match against Jammu and Kashmir, needing a strong performance to maintain their title defence.
The inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to bolster Mumbai’s chances. The team will look to make the most of the star power and experience as they aim to climb the rankings and progress further in the tournament.
The return of a player of Rohit’s calibre to the domestic circuit has not only boosted morale in the Mumbai camp but also added excitement for cricket fans eager to see the Indian captain back in action.