Ranji Trophy: Rohit Sharma is hungry, he will get a big one, says Ajinkya Rahane

Ranji Trophy 2025: Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane said Rohit Sharma looked relaxed in the lead-up to his red-ball return, backing the Indian skipper to get a big one in the upcoming fixture against Jammu and Kashhmir. Rohit will play Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2015.

In Short

• Rohit Sharma will return to Ranji Trophy for the first time since 2015
• Rohit will play under Ajinkya Rahane for Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir
• The India captain trained at the BKC in Mumbai with the red-ball

Mumbai's Ranji Trophy captain Ajinkya Rahane has backed Rohit Sharma to regain form in red-ball cricket during the upcoming fixture against Jammu and Kashmir in Mumbai, starting Thursday, 23 January. Rohit will be playing a domestic first-class cricket match for the first time since representing Mumbai against Uttar Pradesh in 2015.

Ajinkya Rahane downplayed concerns about the Indian captain's form, highlighting Rohit's calm demeanour in the lead-up to the match, which marks the resumption of the Ranji Trophy. Rahane expressed confidence in Rohit's ability to rediscover his form, saying he has been as relaxed as ever.

Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be new additions to the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad this season as several star players return to represent their state sides, following the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s mandate that playing domestic cricket is now mandatory for senior national team selection. This guideline was introduced as part of a 10-point disciplinary framework after India's dismal performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series.

"What is important is he is hungry, he is determined to do well," Rahane said on the eve of the match against Jammu and Kashmir.

Rahane also said he is not sure about Rohit’s availability for the next fixture, which begins on January 30. Rohit is set to lead India in an ODI series against England from January 6, ahead of the Champions Trophy starting on February 19.

"I am sure once he gets in, he will get a big one. He batted really well yesterday in a couple of net sessions, so it’s part and parcel of a player's career. I am really confident about Rohit. Rohit has always been relaxed. Even playing at the international level, his character is similar. His attitude is pretty much relaxed. He knows his game really well, so no one has to tell him what he needs to do.

"Once he gets in, I am sure he will do well. He has never changed, which is a very good thing," Rahane added.

WILL ROHIT RETURN TO TESTS?

Rohit Sharma was spotted training at the Bandra Kurla Complex, which will host the Ranji Trophy fixture. Earlier this month, he batted alongside the team and was also seen undergoing fitness training in preparation for the match.

Rohit endured a torrid 2024–25 Test season, scoring just 91 runs in the home series against New Zealand, which India lost 0–3. He managed only 31 runs in three Tests against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy before dropping himself from the XI for the final Test due to poor form.

Rohit clarified that his decision to sit out the fifth Test in Sydney was unrelated to any plans to retire from the format, stressing his confidence in his ability to improve his red-ball performance.

It remains to be seen whether the selectors will place their faith in Rohit for the five-Test series in England, starting June 20. The tour marks the beginning of the new World Test Championship cycle for India.