Unlike Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma “unsure” about playing Ranji Trophy game on Jan 30, reveals Rahane

by · Inside Sport India

The BCCI cracked a whip on the Indian players, making a mandate for everyone to feature in domestic cricket.

The Ranji Trophy has once again become the talk of the town. Not because it is India’s premier domestic red-ball tournament, but due to the fact that the superstars are ready to battle it out in the tournament. As you all know, Rohit Sharma is set to open for Mumbai for the first time when he takes the field in a Ranji game against Jammu & Kashmir on January 23. Meanwhile, other stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant are also in their respective state teams. But one big name has assured to play, just not on Jan 23. It is none other than Virat Kohli, who is likely to turn up for Delhi in their Ranji game against Railways on January 30. But will Rohit Sharma also play in that set of fixtures?

Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli to play just 1 Ranji game?

With just two sets of fixtures remaining in the Ranji Trophy (group stage), one might think that, if available, players will play both the games. With a packed white-ball season ahead, these first-class games would add massive value. But Rohit has been named in Mumbai’s squad for just the January 23 match. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli won’t feature for Delhi in their clash against Saurashtra (Jan 23). However, he will (most likely) play on January 30.

But will Rohit play just one game and not the Jan 30 fixture against Meghalaya? Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane revealed that even he is unsure about the development. He divulged that Rohit might play just this game and not the next round. As per PTI, Rahane said: “I think he’s only playing this game; not sure about the next game,” Rahane said of Rohit’s availability. “His inputs in the next four days will be really important.”

Given that Rohit will lead the Indian team in the one-day internationals from February 6, it is understandable if Rohit opts out to play the January 30 fixture. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, will have a longer break. He hasn’t played a game since the BGT and one Ranji game would help him gather his form back before the all-important ICC Champions Trophy.

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“Rohit Sharma is hungry”

As per Rahane, Rohit is determined to do well in the upcoming fixture that will be played at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai. The former BGT winning captain shared that Rohit has been looking quite well in the nets and is likley to smash a big score. “What is important is he is hungry, he is determined to do well,” Rahane said of Rohit on the eve of Mumbai’s next fixture starting on Thursday. “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’m sure he will do well. He has never changed, which is a very good thing.”