Follow UsRohit Sharma has been struggling for runs in Test cricket for a while now but Mumbai captain and his former India teammate Ajinkya Rahane feels no one should tell him what to do. In his last eight Tests, Rohit has managed only 164 runs at an average of 10.93, crossing the 25-run mark only once in 15 innings.
The 37-year-old is set to lead India in the three-match ODI series against England and the 2025 Champions Trophy, but before that, Rohit will feature in Mumbai’s next Ranji Trophy 2024-25 encounter against Jammu and Kashmir, starting on January 23. Apart from him, Yashasvi Jaiswal is also set to feature in the Mumbai XI.
"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 on January 22 (Wednesday), reported the Times of India.
"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.
"What is important is (that) he is hungry, he is determined to do well. I am sure once he gets in, he will get a big one. He batted really well yesterday (in) a couple of sessions so it's part and parcel of a player's career. I am really confident about Rohit."
Rahane, however, feels Rohit will only play one Ranji game before shifting his focus towards the 50-over format. “I think he's only playing this game; not sure about the next game. His inputs in the next four days will be really important.”
Talking about Jaiswal, who had a stellar 2024, Rahane said: “(In the) last couple of years, he's been performing well for the Indian team (and) before that, going into the Indian team, he did well for Mumbai as well.
“It's good to have a guy like Yashasvi in the team who is really hungry and determined to score runs. These things will really impact all the youngsters in the dressing room.”
Rahane also confirmed that Rohit and Jaiswal will open for Mumbai. “For any cricketer, getting match preparation (and) game-time is really important. Obviously, there is no red-ball (Test) cricket at this moment. But they are going to play white-ball (competitions).”