Rohit Sharma’s recent struggles with form have once again come under scrutiny following a disappointing outing in the Ranji Trophy. In a match between Mumbai and Jammu and Kashmir, Rohit, returning to domestic cricket after a gap of nearly a decade, was dismissed for just 3 runs. His dismissal adds to a growing narrative of inconsistency, particularly in the longer format of the game.
Ranji Trophy Dismissal
Rohit, facing J&K pacer Umar Nazir Mir, fell to a well-executed short-pitched delivery. Attempting to pull the ball, he mistimed his shot, offering a straightforward catch to Yudhvir Singh. His reaction post-dismissal—a mix of frustration and disbelief—captured the mounting pressure on the Indian skipper to deliver.
Adding to Mumbai’s woes, other big names like Yashasvi Jaiswal (5) and Ajinkya Rahane (12) also failed to make an impact, leaving the team in a precarious position.
Rohit’s Decline in Test Cricket
Rohit’s recent Ranji struggles mirror his poor form in Test cricket. His performances during India’s 2024-25 Test season were underwhelming:
- Total runs: 164 in 8 matches (15 innings).
- Average: 10.93.
- Highest score: 52 (against Bangladesh).
During India’s tour of Australia, Rohit managed only 31 runs in five innings across three Tests. His poor run in that series led to widespread criticism, culminating in his decision to drop himself for the final Test in Sydney.
Leadership Challenges
Rohit’s captaincy has also been under fire, with India suffering some significant setbacks under his leadership:
- First Home Test Series Whitewash: India lost 0-3 to New Zealand, marking their first-ever whitewash in a home Test series since 2000.
- Mixed Results Against Australia: India’s 295-run victory in Perth under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy was a highlight, but Rohit returned to lead the team after the birth of his second child. His subsequent failures reignited questions about his ability to lead and perform simultaneously.
What Lies Ahead for Rohit Sharma?
Rohit’s struggles raise crucial questions about his future in both domestic and international cricket. While his contributions to Indian cricket over the years are undeniable, sustained poor performances in key formats, coupled with leadership challenges, have put him under significant pressure.
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, Rohit has little time to rediscover his form and inspire confidence as India’s captain. This Ranji Trophy season could prove critical in rebuilding his confidence and silencing critics ahead of the marquee event.
For now, the cricketing world watches closely as one of India’s most celebrated batters fights to reclaim his rhythm and stature.
