Watch: Rohit Sharma surprises Mumbai team in dressing room during Ranji Final

Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, graced the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday (12th March) for the finale of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-24, where Mumbai and Vidarbha locked horns in the summit clash. Fresh off leading Team India in the England series, Rohit Sharma exemplified his commitment to the Ranji Trophy by forgoing rest and attending the final, bolstering the spirits of players from both sides.

In recent times, Rohit Sharma, alongside the team management and the BCCI, has been fervently advocating for the significance of red-ball cricket. This commitment was underscored by BCCI secretary Jay Shah’s introduction of incentive schemes to prioritize red-ball cricket over T20 leagues and white-ball formats.

Seen in Mumbai’s dressing room, Rohit Sharma engrossed himself in the game, accompanied by pacer Dhawal Kulkarni, meticulously observing and taking notes. His presence at the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 final swiftly circulated on the internet.

A Glimpse into the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 Final

Rohit Sharma supporting the Ranji Trophy 🫡

– This is a great message to all the players in Indian cricket. pic.twitter.com/Ij8tsAOiBy

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 12, 2024

Turning to the final showdown, Mumbai asserted dominance, emerging as favorites after posting a modest 224 in the first innings, with Shardul Thakur’s resilient 75 standing out. Mumbai’s bowlers shone brightly, restricting Vidarbha to a mere 105 runs, securing a substantial lead.

In the second innings, Mumbai showcased their prowess with the bat, led by Musheer Khan’s scintillating century, complemented by crucial contributions from Shreyas Iyer (95) and Ajinkya Rahane (73), propelling their lead to over 470 runs.

The emphasis on domestic cricket in Indian cricket gained traction following the recent incidents involving Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, who skipped the Ranji Trophy upon the team’s request, resulting in the termination of their national contracts by the BCCI.

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Rohit Sharma reiterated the importance of hunger for Test cricket, affirming that opportunities would be extended solely to players displaying such hunger. He emphasized the futility of selecting players lacking the requisite drive, stating, “We will give opportunities to only those who are hungry.”

The BCCI has unequivocally communicated to all players that unless engaged in national assignments, participation in domestic cricket for their respective state teams is imperative.