Indian captain Rohit Sharma did not score well on his Ranji Trophy return after a long absence but he shared his experience with the Mumbai team. On January 25, Rohit was seen giving a pep talk to Mumbai players as they walked out to defend a target of 205 after Shardul Thakur's 119 got them back in the game.
The video of Rohit's pep talk with Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane in the huddle has been going viral on social media.
In the first innings, Rohit registered a single-digit score as he was dismissed by Umar Nazir who bagged a fifer. Opening the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, he scored just three runs from 19 balls. Mumbai suffered a batting collapse and were reduced to 47/7 in the 18th over. Thakur's half-century helped them post 120 before getting bowled out.
How Rohit performed with bat on Ranji return
In the second innings, Rohit took the attacking approach and hit three sixes, two fours in his 35-ball 28. His cameo was ended by Yudhvir Singh. Mumbai suffered another collapse as big names failed. Once again, Thakur came to the rescue. He scored a century and shared a 184-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Tanush Kotian who scored a half-century. In total, Rohit scored 31 runs on his Ranji return at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC, Mumbai.
Rohit is highly likely to play just one Ranji game before he joins the squad for the three-ODI series against England at home starting February 6. The three-ODI series will work as a preparatory series for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
What Rahane said about Rohit before Ranji return
Earlier, skipper Rahane backed Rohit to do well and pointed out how relaxed he is even when he plays at the international stage.
"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," Rahane told media during Mumbai's training session in Mumbai on January 22.
"Rohit has always been relaxed. Even playing at the international level, his character is similar. 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," Rahane added.