With the future in the Test format uncertain, Team India skipper Rohit Sharma decided to return to his home ground to regain his form. The Hitman on Tuesday joined Mumbai's Ranji squad for their training sessions ahead of the second phase of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, which starts on January 23.
The opener spent two hours batting on the centre-wicket at Wankhede Stadium and is expected to continue training throughout the week. However, there is no confirmation from Rohit about playing the upcoming fixture against Jammu and Kashmir.
At 37, Rohit has expressed his intention to continue playing in the longest format, despite having to stand down from India's XI for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney earlier this month.
Across three Test matches during Border Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit scored just 31 runs. Prior to that, he averaged 13.30 over ten innings against Bangladesh and New Zealand during the 2023-24 home season, a period that saw India suffer a shocking 3-0 defeat to New Zealand, marking the first time India was whitewashed at home in a series of three or more matches.
Gautam Gambhir on importance of seniors playing Test cricket
Team India coach Gautam Gambhir had urged senior players to show commitment and play red ball cricket. Following India's loss in Australia, Gambhir had said, "I would always like everyone to play domestic cricket. That is how much importance domestic cricket needs to be given. Not only one game, if they are available and they have the commitment to play red-ball cricket, everyone should play domestic cricket. As simple as it can get. If you don't give importance to domestic cricket, you will never get the desired players that you want in Test cricket,"
