After India’s batters’ terrible performances in the New Zealand series at home and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 in Australia, a number of former cricket players criticised the decline in form as a result of their insufficient domestic playing time. Following this, the BCCI also issued new rules emphasising the necessity of playing domestic cricket in order to guarantee a career with the national side.
Before the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, Rohit Sharma, who is now having a difficult time at bat, was a member of the Mumbai team. His participation in their forthcoming games was still up in the air when he was spotted working out in the nets with the home team. However, Rohit also disclosed that he would be playing in the forthcoming Ranji match against Jammu and Kashmir while outlining India’s Champions Trophy 2025 lineup during the press conference.
At the press conference, Rohit Sharma declared, “I will (play).”
The national selection committee’s head, Ajit Agarkar, went on to say: “There are times when playing all three formats might be challenging, to be fair to many of the players. They deserve to play domestic cricket, even though you don’t have as much time. Most of the lads will likely be participating in this Ranji Trophy round.
One of the things that the BCCI has undoubtedly proposed is this. However, as selectors, we anticipate that individuals will be available to play because doing so will only reinforce our domestic framework. “It can only strengthen our domestic structure, not just for their form or fitness and playing cricket,” Agarkar said.
When Rohit last played for Mumbai, it was against Uttar Pradesh in a 2015 Ranji Trophy match. Yashasvi Jaiswal, in addition to Rohit, will be available for the pivotal match against Jammu and Kashmir. Rohit even accompanied his colleague Ajinkya Rahane to the match simulation before to the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 un-pause, when they faced pacers.