Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Rohit Sharma in focus as Mumbai takes on Jammu & Kashmir

Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Rohit Sharma in focus as Mumbai takes on Jammu & Kashmir

Ajinkya Rahane smiled when asked whether Yashasvi Jaiswal would open the innings for Mumbai alongside Rohit Sharma in the crucial Ranji Trophy fixture against Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) at the MCA-BKC ground. “Yeh koi sawaal hai kya? (Is that even a question?),” he quipped.

Rohit’s rare appearance in the Ranji Trophy after a decade comes on the back of the BCCI’s directive for players to prioritise participation in the remaining domestic first-class tournament. It is certain that Rohit will open the innings with fellow India international Jaiswal, making it difficult for the team management to accommodate the in-form opener, Ayush Mhatre.

The 17-year-old Mhatre has had a sensational start to his domestic career, scoring two first-class centuries in just six matches. He has further impressed with two hundreds in seven games for Mumbai in his maiden List A season. Despite this, Mumbai’s strong batting line-up, which includes India internationals Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Shivam Dube, leaves little room for changes. As captain Rahane noted, adjusting to red-ball cricket after two months of white-ball campaigns will challenge the team.

Though J&K is placed ahead of Mumbai on the points table, the host remains in contention for a top-two spot in Group A. Mumbai’s bowling attack will be spearheaded by Shardul Thakur, with support from Mohit Avasthi and Royston Dias. Tanush Kotian and Shams Mulani could bolster the spin department.

However, the spotlight will be on Rohit. Anticipating a large turnout, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has increased seating capacity at the ground and beefed up security measures.

J&K, meanwhile, appears unfazed. Having trained in Mumbai for the past 10 days, the visiting team exudes confidence. Despite lacking star players, the side has remained unbeaten in the tournament, relying on consistent performers like Shubham Khajuria, who scored a double-century against Maharashtra earlier this season.

With Rasikh Salam injured and Umran Malik unavailable, the J&K bowling attack faces an uphill task against Mumbai’s formidable batting line-up. However, captain Paras Dogra remains optimistic. “We want to keep things simple and treat it as just another match,” he said.