Rohit Sharma has joined Mumbai's training camp ahead of the second phase of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, which resumes on January 23. The team had a two-hour session at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday and will continue to train throughout the week as they prepare for their sixth-round fixture against Jammu and Kashmir.
Although it remains uncertain if Rohit will play, his presence at the camp, coordinated with head coach Omkar Salvi, indicates he could feature in one of Mumbai's two remaining league matches.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is expected to announce the squad later this week.
Rohit’s return to domestic cricket comes amid discussions about his future in Test cricket. The 37-year-old has reiterated his commitment to the longest format despite stepping aside for the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. Rohit’s recent struggles include scoring just 31 runs in five innings during the Australia tour, preceded by an average of 13.30 across ten innings against Bangladesh and New Zealand. The New Zealand series saw India suffer their first-ever 3-0 whitewash at home in a series of three or more matches.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized the importance of senior players participating in first-class cricket to maintain form and aid team building. However, he declined to comment on the long-term future of Rohit and fellow veteran Virat Kohli, both of whom are under scrutiny for their performances.
Gambhir expressed caution about making immediate decisions, noting, “Five months is a long time in sport. Forms change, people change, attitudes change. Let’s see where we are before the England series. Whatever happens will be in the best interest of Indian cricket.”
Mumbai, the defending Ranji Trophy champions, are in strong contention for the knockouts. Currently third in Group A with three wins in five matches, they trail second-placed Jammu and Kashmir by just one point.