Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane has expressed confidence that the out-of-form Rohit Sharma will overcome his slump. He also shared his excitement about having the Indian captain in the Mumbai squad for their upcoming 2024-25 Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir, starting January 23.
Rohit will be playing in the Ranji Trophy for the first time since November 2015. The 37-year-old has struggled with red-ball form, having averaged just 6.20 in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. In his last 15 Test innings, Rohit has scored only 164 runs, with a solitary half-century.
On the eve of Mumbai’s next match, Rahane spoke to the media, saying [quoted by TOI]:
“See, Rohit is Rohit. We all know that. Aapko bhi pata hai Rohit ka character (You also know Rohit’s character). I am really happy to have both of them back in the Mumbai dressing room. Rohit has always been relaxed. Even playing at the international level, his character is similar.”
He further added:
“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.”
“I believe he’s only playing in this match”- Ajinkya Rahane on Rohit Sharma
Ajinkya Rahane stated that Rohit Sharma may only feature in this round of the Ranji Trophy and could miss Mumbai’s final group-stage match against Meghalaya.
Although Rohit is not part of India’s T20I squad (having retired), he is expected to return to captain the team for the ODI series beginning February 6. The Mumbai-Meghalaya match is scheduled from January 30 to February 2.
“I think he’s only playing this game; not sure about the next game. His inputs in the next four days will be really important. What is important is (that) he is hungry, he is determined to do well.”
“I am sure once he gets in, he will get a big one. He batted really well yesterday (in) a couple of sessions so it’s part and parcel of a player’s career. I am really confident about Rohit,” said Rahane.
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