Rohit Sharma and Mumbai Stars to Miss Final Ranji Trophy Group Match Against Meghalaya
After a lackluster performance in Mumbai’s loss to Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy, Indian captain Rohit Sharma, along with teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer, will miss Mumbai’s final Elite Group A match against Meghalaya, starting Thursday.
This decision comes as all three players are set to join the Indian team camp ahead of the ODI series against England, which begins on February 6. The camp will take place in Nagpur starting February 2, following the BCCI Naman Annual Awards in Mumbai on February 1.
Mumbai’s Struggles in Ranji Trophy
Mumbai, led by Ajinkya Rahane, suffered a heavy defeat against Jammu and Kashmir at the Sharad Pawar Academy Ground, with the match ending in three days. Despite the return of national stars, including Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, none of them made a significant impact, except for Shardul Thakur, who scored 51 and 119 in the game.
This loss has put Mumbai in a precarious position, as they now require a big win over Meghalaya and favorable outcomes from other matches to keep their quarter-final qualification hopes alive.
Focus on National Duty
For 23-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal, the upcoming ODI series will mark his maiden call-up to the national team in this format. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer will resume their roles as part of the core ODI squad. The series against England, scheduled for February 6, 9, and 12, will be crucial preparation for the Champions Trophy, which starts later this month.
Ranji Trophy Campaign in Jeopardy
A source from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed the unavailability of the trio, stating, “He (Rohit) will join the Indian team.” The defeat against Jammu and Kashmir has left Mumbai in a tough spot, and the absence of key players in the decisive match against Meghalaya further complicates their chances of advancing to the next stage.
Mumbai’s fate now hinges not only on their performance but also on results from other teams in the group.
