Ravindra Jadeja made a strong comeback to the Ranji Trophy in the 2024-25 season. Playing for Saurashtra against Delhi, he took a total of 12 wickets in the match. In the first innings, he took 5 wickets, and in the second innings, he took 7 wickets. This performance was similar to his 2023 Ranji Trophy comeback match against Tamil Nadu, where he also took 7 wickets.

Sir Ravindra Jadeja Show Vs Delhi 🔥🚀

5/66 & 38(34) in 1st innings.
- 7/38 in 2nd innings.
- 12 Wickets in the match.

What a match Winning performance from Sir Jadeja 🚀🔥🙌
.
.#ravindrajadeja #ranjitrophy #explorepage #explorecricket #cricketexplorer #cricketnews… pic.twitter.com/ZZM9nHUIh0

— Cricket Gyan (@cricketgyann) January 24, 2025

Delhi won the toss and chose to bat, but they only managed to score 188 runs. Ayush Badoni was the top scorer with 60 runs. Ravindra Jadeja took 5 wickets, including Badoni's dismissal.

In reply, Saurashtra scored 271 runs, with Jadeja contributing 38 runs off 36 balls.

In Delhi's second innings, Jadeja's brilliant bowling took 7 wickets, all out them for just 94 runs. Badoni looked good again with 44 runs but was dismissed by Jadeja once again.

Chasing just 12 runs, Saurashtra reached the target in the fourth over without losing a wicket, winning the match dominantly by 10 wickets.

Also Read: Major Change in England's Playing XI for 2nd T20 Against India at Chepauk

In this match, Rishabh Pant also made his comeback to the Delhi Ranji team. However, he struggled in both innings. In the first innings, he was out for just 1 run after facing 10 balls. In the second innings, he looked better, scoring 17 runs off 26 balls, including one four, but was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja.

In another match of the Ranji Trophy between Mumbai and Jammu & Kashmir, Mumbai’s side includes several Indian superstars like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shreyas Iyer. However, they struggled to manage big scores.

Also Read: Suresh Raina Calls Shubman Gill the Next Virat Kohli and Says About Rohit Sharma, 'I Hope He Will...'"

In Mumbai's first innings, Rohit Sharma scored 3 runs, Yashasvi Jaiswal made 4 runs, and Shreyas Iyer contributed 11 runs. In the second innings, Rohit Sharma scored 28, Jaiswal made 26, and Shreyas Iyer added 17.

In the Karnataka vs Punjab match at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, Shubman Gill was out for just 4 runs in the first innings. In the second innings, he was not out on 7 runs off 36 balls at stumps on Day 2.

In this leg of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, Indian star players are struggling to find their rhythm as they prepare for the upcoming big international event, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. These players are an important part of the squad, and their performances in the Ranji Trophy are crucial for getting into form ahead of the tournament.

Rohit Sharma's poor form continues, as he struggled in the second innings of the match against Jammu and Kashmir. In the first innings, he got out early for just 3 runs, and expectations were high for him to perform better in the second innings. However, despite looking good at one point, hitting 3 sixes and 2 fours in just 35 balls for 28 runs, he got out to Yudhvir Singh’s bowling.

This match marked Rohit's comeback after nearly 10 years in the Ranji Trophy, playing for Mumbai in the second leg of the 2024-25 season. Unfortunately, things didn’t go well for him in his first match back, and fans expressed disappointment on social media.

After this, as the next Test season began with the England tour in June, there were growing concerns. Fans even called him the "walking wicket" after his performance, which added pressure on him. His form in the Bangladesh Test series was also disappointing. Going into the New Zealand series and the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit only managed 31 runs in 3 matches during the Australia tour. Seeing his form, he made the decision to drop himself for the fifth Test in Sydney. After this tour, he decided to focus on his form and play in the Ranji Trophy to regain his confidence. However, his performance in the match remained disappointing.

Although he showed good intent in this innings and many appreciated his aggressive approach, seeing him, expectations were high for him to turn it into a big score. However, he failed to deliver, and fans expressed their disappointment as he struggled again.

We are cooked if we carry Rohit Sharma to England with this batting technique 🤡pic.twitter.com/6Lcet6YI0B

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) January 24, 2025

Here’s an honest suggestion for Rohit Sharma: Why sit around hoping for a comeback? You have a good career. Play the CT, bid farewell to cricket with a smile, and enjoy your life. Why risk messing up your reputation in the name of a comeback at the end of the road? pic.twitter.com/P66SiY5wRv

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) January 23, 2025

Rohit Sharma out cheaply again in second innings..Rohit Sharma what a Superstar but not with bat instead only with PR #RanjiTrophy #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/hmIeinRsxf

— Manoj Yadav (@csmanoj21) January 24, 2025

Also Read: Selfless Knock: Rohit Sharma Falls for 28 After Positive Intent

Rohit Sharma had a very casual dismissal in this innings as he tried to hit the ball over the covers but got an inside edge, and the ball went straight into the hands of the mid-wicket fielder. His dismissal in the first innings was also very similar, edging the ball into the hands of the fielder at covers.

Also Read: Suresh Raina Calls Shubman Gill the Next Virat Kohli and Says About Rohit Sharma, 'I Hope He Will...'"

Rohit Sharma, leading the side for the England 3-match ODI series and the 2025 Champions Trophy, is looking to regain his form. To prepare, he decided to play red-ball cricket while also keeping an eye on the England Test series in June. For the 37-year-old player, this is a defining phase in his career.

The 31-year-old right-arm medium pacer Umar Nazir Mir was a star for Jammu and Kashmir as the visitors bundled out international-stars-powered Mumbai for only 120 runs. While Nazir took some big wickets in the Ranji Trophy match, one of his memorable wickets was the Indian captain Rohit Sharma. While Nazir didn’t celebrate that wicket, he revealed the reason for that cold and respectful gesture.

In the return of the next round of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, the defending champions Mumbai are hosting Jammu and Kashmir in the Elite Group A match. Mumbai have the international names Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, captain Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, and Shardul Thakur. 

After the powerful batting side Mumbai chose to bat first, the hosts were down to 47/7 and all out for only 120 runs. Indian Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, who returned to the Ranji Trophy almost ten years later, only managed to score three off 19 balls while Umar Nazir Mir dismissed him. Rohit was caught out as Paras Dogra ran from mid-off to extra cover to successfully grab the ball.

See Also: Can Mohammed Shami play in next T20I?

I did not celebrate because I am a big fan of Rohit Sharma: Umar Nazir Mir

However, Nazir didn’t celebrate that big wicket. Later, Nazir claimed that he was a big fan of the Indian captain Rohit Sharma.

Nazir said, "I slept off at 10pm last night and woke up around 7am and was quite relaxed. I tried to bowl fuller lengths because of the bounce on the surface. [When Rohit was dismissed] the first thought in my mind… I did not celebrate because I am a big fan of Rohit Sharma. If we manage to win this game, it would be a proud moment for me, and the team, because India's captain is playing in the opposition."

Umar Nazir Mir took four wickets

Rohit was just the start of Nazir’s powerful bowling performance, as he bowled the skipper Rahane (12) and then dismissed Hardik Tomare (7) and Shivam Dube (0). Nazir finished with the bowling figures of 11-2-41-4. Meanwhile, the right-arm pacer Yudhvir Singh also took four wickets and had bowling figures of 8.2-31-4.

Struggling at 47/7, Shardul Thakur scored a half-century (51), and Tanush Kotian (26) was the other Mumbai batter to score 20+ runs in that innings. Kotian-Thakur had a 63-run partnership for the eighth wicket, which helped the hosts to reach the three-figure total.

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina recently gave an interview where he shared his thoughts about the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin on February 19. This edition of the tournament will be held in a hybrid model, with matches taking place in both Pakistan and Dubai. Raina, who was part of the winning Indian team in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, expressed his hopes for the Indian cricket team’s performance in the tournament.

In the interview, Raina was seen supporting Rohit Sharma, especially after Rohit's recent struggles in Australia and back in India. Despite these challenges, Raina expressed his belief that Rohit will make a strong comeback. He showed his trust in Rohit’s leadership, saying,

"I hope Rohit Sharma wins this trophy once again."

Raina talked about the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where both he and Rohit Sharma were part of the winning team. He shared that he wants to see Rohit lift the trophy again, just like they did in 2013. Raina believes that Rohit has the ability to do it again in the 2025 edition of the tournament. He expressed confidence in Rohit’s leadership qualities, saying that this time, as captain, it will be even more special. While in 2013, he was a player, now Rohit will lead the team, and Raina is hopeful that his leadership will guide India to another win.

Also Watch: Captain Rohit Sharma assures India's best attempt to win ICC Champions Trophy 2025

In the interview, Raina also talked about the future of the Indian cricket team, especially in terms of leadership. When asked about Shubman Gill and his potential to take on a leadership role, Raina confidently said,

"Absolutely, I think he is the next Virat Kohli for the Indian cricket team."

Raina showed his belief in Shubman’s abilities. As Shubman has been appointed vice-captain for this tournament, Raina believes this is a great opportunity for him to prove himself. He mentioned that Shubman already has the experience to handle responsibilities, highlighting his leadership role with Gujarat Giants in the IPL.

Raina also shared his thoughts on Jasprit Bumrah, whose fitness remains a concern. Even though Bumrah is part of the squad for this tournament, his absence from the England ODI series has raised some questions. Despite this, Raina strongly believes that if Bumrah is fully fit and plays the entire tournament, he will deliver an incredible performance. Bumrah, being a key player for Team India, has Raina’s full trust. Talking about him, Raina said,

"Bumrah will be the man of the tournament if he plays all matches."

Suresh Raina said, 🗣️" Shubman Gill is the Next Replacement Virat kohli of Indian Team & I Hope Rohit Sharma to lift Champions Trophy 2025..!! (Star sports).

- Team india Next Star player For Shubman Gill...!!! 😎

pic.twitter.com/Mj6uLtslJG

— ARPIT• (@ImArpit_18) January 23, 2025

Also Read: "I Might Still Play One Day"—AB de Villiers Hints at a Comeback to Cricket

India Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Kuldeep Yadav.

The Indian Test skipper Rohit Sharma makes a much-anticipated return to domestic cricket in nearly a decade. The Indian star featured in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy clash with Jammu and Kashmir at the BKC Ground. A warm reception greeted Rohit as he made his way out to the center along with Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, the euphoria of seeing him score big was short-lived as he was dismissed very early in his innings.

See also:

Disappointed fans leave the stadium after Rohit's wicket

Rohit's return to the domestic fold ended in abject disappointment as he only lasted 19 balls. While facing Jammu Kashkir's pacer Umar Nazir, Rohit attempted to play a wide delivery away to the leg side which resulted in a leading edge and a simple catch by the keeper PK Dogra behind the stumps.

The fans who came in a very good capacity to see the World Cup-winning captain were left disheartened and started exiting the ground gradually.

Fans leaving the venue after the wicket of Rohit Sharma. [RevSportz] pic.twitter.com/SQhqs9Mi76

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 23, 2025

But on the other hand, the J&K players erupted in joy as they were elated to dismiss someone as revered as him. Rohit’s dismissal came shortly after Yashasvi Jaiswal was trapped LBW by J&K pacer Auqib Nabi for just four runs.

A look at Rohit's struggles in the longest format

Rohit's ongoing struggles in the longest format have ultimately led him to return to the domestic arena where he is desperately seeking to find some form. The 38-year-old had a disappointing outing against New Zealand in the home Test series where he averaged less than 20 and endured a horror show both as a batsman and as a captain in the Border Gavaskar Trophy series where he averaged only 6.5. 

The last time Rohit played a Ranji game for Mumbai, he scored a brilliant 113 while batting at No 4 in a drawn match against Uttar Pradesh.

The Ranji Trophy match is going on, that is on 23rd January the match between Mumbai and Jammu & Kashmir is taking place in Mumbai.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal also participated in this match.

There were questions regarding Rohit Sharma's test form, which led BCCI to decide that all Indians would play domestic cricket.

Keeping all these things in mind, Rohit Sharma entered the domestic circuit and played his first match against Jammu & Kashmir.

But Rohit Sharma could not give a good start, he was out for only 3 runs in 19 balls.

Watch the Video of Rohit Sharma's Dismissal:

Our selfless captain sacrificed his wicket for this youngster so that he can get a chance in his career to play for indian cricket team.
Rohit Sharma✨🤞 pic.twitter.com/xIyAUz2r2R

— Humza Sheikh (@Sheikhhumza49) January 23, 2025

After Rohit's dismissal, some of his fans were angry, some fans also supported him that he would make a comeback.

Also Watch: Pushpa Celebration and Four-Wicket Haul: Mohammad Amir Shines in Vipers' ILT20 Triumph

Rohit Sharma is preparing for Champions Trophy 2025 by playing in Ranji Trophy but his first match did not go much and he could score only 3 runs.

But people believe that Rohit will make a comeback in the Champions Trophy 2025 because it has been seen that no matter how bad Rohit's form is, his performance in the ICC tournament has been amazing.

The showdown between two cricketing powerhouses has commenced at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The first T20I of the five-match series is currently underway. After winning the toss, India took the dew factor into account and made a wise choice by asking England to bat first. Arshdeep Singh dented England by picking up two quick wickets but Jos Buttler was quick to get into his work and studied the ship for the tourists after an early setback. 

Some big names were omitted from India's lineup including the likes of Shami, Bumrah, and Virat. But the absence of India's T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma left many supporters teary-eyed and emotional.

See also: Former Proteas great hints at a potential return to competitive cricket

'We miss him a lot' - Kolkata crowd's admiration for Rohit

The crowd at the Eden Gardens sees Rohit as a living legend. Sadded by the fact that Rohit announced his T20I retirement last year, the fans reportedly had tears in their eyes and admitted that they miss him a lot. 

Indians fans are getting emotional and missing their wc winning captain.🥹

Every second person is wearing 45 number jersey in Eden gardens.🥶 pic.twitter.com/jvTCh01wZg

— 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐮 (@Ro_45stan) January 22, 2025

To demonstrate their love for the former India captain, the fans wore Rohit's iconic jersey No. 45 and were cheering for team India to their fullest potential. 

Rohit is approaching the fag end of his career. Following India's dream run in the 2024 T20 World Cup edition, Rohit, along with Jadeja and Kohli announced their respective retirements from the shortest format. Although Rohit continues to captain the national side across Test and ODI formats, amidst deteriorating form, experts suggest that his days in international cricket could well be numbered. 

While the Indian Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma is set to return to the Ranji Trophy, it has forced the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to increase the seating capacity for the upcoming match.

Defending champions Mumbai are ready for the crucial upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Jammu and Kashmir. Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC (Mumbai) will host the match, starting on January 23. It is a must-win game for both teams to stay in contention for the knockout stage qualification. 

Ajinkya Rahane will continue his leadership role in the Mumbai side for the upcoming group stage match, while the Indian stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma are likely to open for the 42-time Ranji Trophy champions.

See Also: Cricket Politics? BCCI Declines to Display Pakistan's Name on India's Jersey

There will also be proper security arrangements at BKC too

An MCA source told the Times of India that the regional governing body is increasing the seating capacity for the upcoming Ranji Trophy match due to the presence of Indian stars. In fact, there are also proper security arrangements for the match, while the fans will have to show their I-cards at the entry point.

The source told TOI, "Normally, there are seating arrangements for 100-odd spectators at BKC, but we will have around 500 seats for fans near the ground machinery there. Fans will have to show their I-cards at the entry point. Considering the presence of the India stars, there will also be proper security arrangements at BKC too."

Rohit Sharma is a legend for Mumbai

Rohit Sharma played his last Ranji Trophy match in 2015. So, the upcoming encounter against Jammu and Kashmir will be Rohit’s first Ranji game in almost the last 10 years. With 3941 runs, Rohit is the ninth-leading run-scorer for Mumbai in first-class cricket history. The right-handed batter has an average of 66.79, the highest among the Mumbai batters with 3000+ first-class runs, and he has scored 14 centuries and 15 half-centuries in 65 innings.

The Indian Cricket Team is all set to give their all in the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, where they will be up against the eight powerhouse teams for an enticing tournament. The selection committee has finalised the 15-member roster, and the coaching staff and captain are responsible for picking the playing XI. India, led by Virat Kohli, competed in the previous tournament's final, which Pakistan won by a landslide. 

However, eight years later, the leadership mantle and responsibility has been given to Rohit Sharma, with India looking to win the prized trophy for the first time since 2013. From experienced veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to developing talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the squad has tremendous talent that can make a significant impact. That said, here we create the strongest probable Playing XI of the Indian Cricket Team for the forthcoming tournament.

India's Strongest Probable Playing XI:

• Rohit Sharma (Captain)
• Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain)
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
• Hardik Pandya
• Ravindra Jadeja/ Axar Patel
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Arshdeep Singh
• Mohammed Shami
• Jasprit Bumrah

(Reserve: Harshit Rana)

In the top order, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have performed admirably as an opening duo in ODI cricket. They also have much experience playing together. Rohit and Shubman were India's openers in the previous ODI World Cup. However, there is no doubt about their ability, and Indian supporters will be hoping that the captain-vice captain combo can get back into the running in the flagship event. The two talismanic batters have formed a lethal opening partnership in the last few years. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is yet to make an ODI kickstart, would be the viable backup if the initial top-order falters. 

India's middle order is one of the best positives that can be yielded from the released lineup. It possesses the correct and optimum mix of calibre and exceptional intent to change the course of the game. Virat Kohli was the leading run-scorer in the ODI World Cup 2023. His credentials in 50-over cricket are outstanding, which makes it a no-brainer that he gets the No.3 spot. If Kohli is in top form, India will benefit greatly, thanks to his impeccable experience. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer is returning to the ODI format and has performed admirably in the 2023 World Cup. This will be his first appearance in the Champions Trophy. Shreyas' performance at No. 4 will be crucial. KL Rahul will likely wear the wicketkeeping gloves and be the ideal batter to contribute critical runs. The Karnataka-based player has a terrific record in ODIs at No. 5, making him a perfect choice for giving a robust stability to the batting core.

See Also: 3 Reasons why India cannot win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Hardik Pandya, India's most premium white-ball allrounder, should start at No.6 and give much-needed balance to the team with his power-hitting and reliable medium-pace. Ravindra Jadeja will be the spin-bowling all-rounder, slotted at No.7, known for producing memorable moments for the Indian Cricket Team. Another option that can be taken for No.7 is Axar Patel. Patel's rise in the International space of the game has been noteworthy. The left-arm off-spinner has played a crucial role in the team's triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup, and it's not a surprise that he could do the same in the coming games. As it implies, about the conditions, the team can choose one of the all-rounders for a complete arsenal. After recovering from a groin injury, Kuldeep Yadav has resumed bowling at the nets. He will play a key role in the middle overs when he can grab significant wickets and shift the momentum in India's favour.

Mohammed Shami will make his much-anticipated return to international cricket. His recent domestic circuit performance has shown promise, and it will be interesting to watch how his pace and wicket-taking talents will flip the game in his team's favour. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has been the star bowler for India across all forms. India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy recently, but Bumrah was crowned Player of the Tournament for outstanding performances. If Bumrah stays back due to his injuries, Harshit Rana will replace the lethal pacer. He will lead the bowling assault once more. Arshdeep Singh has been a regular for India in the Twenty20 format, but he has yet to establish himself in the One-Day Internationals, and this should be the right platform for it. The left-arm seamer will provide a fresh dimension to the team.

Overall, this squad combines seasoned veterans and developing talent to provide a balanced and competitive advantage in the competition. However, player fitness and form will determine the final selection as the competition advances.

Indian Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma is set to make his Ranji Trophy return as he has been named in the 17-member full Mumbai squad for their upcoming home encounter against Jammu and Kashmir. Rohit will play under the skipper Ajinkya Rahane. 

Defending champions Mumbai battling to qualify for the knockout stages

The defending champions Mumbai are ready to host Jammu and Kashmir in their upcoming Ranji Trophy 2024-25 group stage match, starting on January 23. It is a crucial game for both teams as the Elite Group A second-placed Jammu and Kashmir have 23 points (three wins and two draws) and the third-placed Mumbai have 22 points (three wins, one loss, and one draw). Baroda are leading the table with 27 points (four wins and one draw). Only the top two of the points table can advance to the knockout stages.

Ajinkya Rahane is set to continue his leadership role for Mumbai, where Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Shivam Dube, etc. are set to challenge the present Group A runners-up.

See Also: Rishabh Pant: Credits for Rohit Sharma for Shaping His Leadership

Rohit Sharma is ready to make his Ranji Trophy return after almost a decade

The 37-year-old Rohit Sharma is set to play a Ranji Trophy match for the first time since 2015. He is struggling in the red-ball cricket as the right-handed batter hasn’t scored many runs in the 2024-25 Test season.

In his last eight Tests, Rohit scored 164 runs in 15 innings with an average of 10.93. Except for one 52 runs against New Zealand during the third innings of the Bengaluru Test, Rohit managed only one more 20+ runs in his last 15 Test innings. 

In the recently concluded Australia tour, where India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 by 3-1, skipper Rohit scored only 31 runs in five innings (average 6.20) and dropped himself from the last Test at Sydney.

For Mumbai, Rohit is the ninth leading first class run-scorer with 3941 runs in 65 innings (45 matches) with an average of 66.79, including 14 centuries and 15 half-centuries with the highest score of 309 not out. Among the Mumbai batters with 3000+ first-class runs, Rohit has the highest batting average.

Before the beginning of the home ODI series against England, Rohit Sharma needs a good batting performance in the Ranji Trophy to regain his confidence. He is a very important name for Team India for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. ​

Complete Mumbai Squad for Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match against Jammu and Kashmir

Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ayush Mhatre, Shreyas Iyer, Siddhesh Lad, Shivam Dube, Hardik Tamore (wk), Akash Anand (wk), Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani, Himanshu Singh, Shardul Thakur, Mohit Awasthi, Sylvester Dsouza, Royston Dias, Karsh Kothari.