Published By: Sanchari Das

A Glimpse Into Rohit Sharma's Golden ‘RANJI DAYS’ Days Ahead of His Domestic Comeback

Rohit Sharma's return to red-ball cricket isn't just a formality—it's a pivotal moment in his quest to overcome recent struggles.s

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, is set to return to domestic red-ball cricket after a long hiatus. His name features in Mumbai's 17-member squad for their Ranji Trophy 2024-25 second-leg match against Jammu and Kashmir on January 23. The clash at the MCA Cricket Ground marks his comeback to the tournament after nearly a decade. This return comes amidst a challenging phase in his international career, where he has struggled for consistency with the bat.

A glimpse at Rohit's stellar Ranji journey

Rohit Sharma's Ranji Trophy career began in the 2006-07 season. In his debut season, he showcased promise, scoring 531 runs at an average of 48.07, including a century. While his next season in 2007-08 saw a dip with just 191 runs at an average of 27.28, the talented right-hander bounced back with a vengeance. Over the following campaigns, Rohit amassed runs in heaps, leaving his mark as a dependable batter for Mumbai.

The golden years of dominance

Rohit's peak years in the Ranji Trophy came between 2008 and 2013. The 2008-09 season saw him rack up 747 runs at a stunning average of 74.70, including three centuries. His form only grew stronger in 2009-10, with 537 runs at a jaw-dropping 87.83 average. But his standout performance came in the 2010-11 season, where he scored a staggering 732 runs at an average of 122, with two tons.

Century streak and unmatched consistency

Between 2011-12 and 2012-13, Rohit Sharma achieved what most batters only dream of—crossing the 1,000-run mark over two seasons. His averages exceeded 80, and he slammed five centuries. These performances made him one of Mumbai's most prolific batters in the history of the Ranji Trophy. His consistent contributions were instrumental in solidifying Mumbai's dominance in domestic cricket during those years.

The long break and his last appearance

Rohit's Ranji Trophy appearances became sparse after his Test debut in 2013. He missed the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, and his last match came in the 2015-16 season against Uttar Pradesh. Despite the limited outings, he left an impression with a century in that game. His overall Ranji record is a testament to his skill: 3,892 runs at an astonishing average of 72.07, including 14 centuries in 42 matches.

Why this comeback matters

The decision to play in the Ranji Trophy stems from a BCCI directive requiring centrally contracted players to feature in domestic cricket. For Rohit, this match against Jammu and Kashmir is more than just fulfilling a mandate—it's an opportunity to regain his lost rhythm. His recent struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he managed just 31 runs in five innings, highlight the need for this return to domestic cricket.

A test for the Indian skipper

As Rohit Sharma prepares to lead Mumbai at the MCA-BKC Ground, the match is expected to draw significant attention. Alongside him, young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal will bolster the squad. After nearly a decade, fans are eager to see how Rohit adjusts to the red-ball format. With his experience and proven record, all eyes will be on whether the Mumbai maestro can find his groove again and make a strong case for his place in India's Test line-up.