Published By: Sanchari Das

Ranji Trophy 2025: When Did These Indian Stars Last Shine in Domestic Whites?

Exploring when India’s cricketing stars last graced the Ranji Trophy—Could domestic cricket hold the key to reviving their form

Rohit Sharma’s recent training session with the Mumbai squad has sparked a buzz. With the Ranji Trophy resuming, fans are eager to see if the Indian captain will feature. Amid a lean phase for both Rohit and Virat Kohli in Tests, calls for their return to domestic cricket have grown louder. Let’s delve into the last Ranji appearances of India’s top Test stars.

Rohit Sharma’s forgotten domestic days

It’s been a long hiatus for Rohit Sharma in the Ranji Trophy. His last outing in domestic whites was in November 2015, when Mumbai faced Uttar Pradesh. In that match, Rohit showcased his batting prowess with a well-crafted 113. However, since then, his focus has shifted entirely to international cricket, leaving fans yearning for a glimpse of him in India’s premier domestic competition.

Virat Kohli’s decade-old Ranji story

Virat Kohli’s last Ranji Trophy appearance is a tale from another era. Back in November 2012, he represented Delhi against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad. Kohli managed scores of 14 and 43 in that game. Despite being one of India’s most consistent batters in international cricket, his absence from domestic cricket over the past decade raises questions about the value of a return to his roots.

Young guns and their recent performances

While veterans like Rohit and Kohli have avoided domestic cricket, several young stars have made their mark. Yashasvi Jaiswal played for Mumbai in January 2023 against Maharashtra, though his performance—scores of 0 and 14—was underwhelming. Similarly, Shubman Gill last played for Punjab in January 2022, managing modest scores of 9 and 19 against Madhya Pradesh.

Bowlers making a mark in Ranji

India’s bowlers, too, have had their share of domestic stints. Jasprit Bumrah, known for his international exploits, last played for Gujarat in January 2017, returning impressive figures of 6/29 against Jharkhand. Mohammed Siraj’s last Ranji game was in February 2020, where he contributed with both bat and ball for Hyderabad. Ravindra Jadeja donned the Saurashtra jersey in January 2023, claiming a stellar 7/53 against Tamil Nadu.

Rising all-rounders in domestic cricket

Among the all-rounders, Washington Sundar’s October 2024 performance for Tamil Nadu stands out. He smashed 152 runs and claimed six wickets in the match against Delhi, underlining his value as a complete player. Similarly, Harshit Rana’s October 2024 outing for Delhi saw him bag a five-wicket haul and contribute 59 runs, showcasing his dual abilities.

The need for domestic cricket returns

The gap between domestic and international cricket often feels like a chasm for India’s top stars. Players like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, who last played Ranji in 2020 and 2017, respectively, have relied heavily on their international careers to stay sharp. However, with recent dips in form, the Ranji Trophy could offer them a chance to regain confidence and consistency.

A call back to the basics

The Ranji Trophy remains a bedrock of Indian cricket, nurturing talent and testing skills. For stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, a return could be a turning point in their quest for form. With younger players already making waves, it’s time for the veterans to rediscover the magic of domestic cricket. Could this be the catalyst for their resurgence?