Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that Indian captain Rohit Sharma should participate in the Ranji Trophy to rediscover his form following a disappointing run in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The 37-year-old batter has struggled with the bat, managing only 31 runs across three Test matches at a dismal average of 6.20. This lackluster performance includes four single-digit scores out of five innings, with his highest being just 10 runs. Rohit’s challenges have raised concerns about his ability to anchor the Indian batting lineup in crucial Test matches.
Gavaskar, speaking in an exclusive interview with India Today, emphasized the importance of first-class cricket for Rohit to regain his rhythm and confidence. He suggested that Rohit should play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, particularly if the team advances to the knockout stages. While Gavaskar acknowledged the potential unfairness of replacing players who have performed consistently in earlier stages, he underscored the larger interest of Indian cricket as a valid reason to integrate Rohit into the squad.
According to Gavaskar, participating in multi-day games like the Ranji Trophy would allow Rohit to spend extended periods at the crease, which is critical for a Test batter to regain their touch. Gavaskar elaborated on the necessity of grinding for several hours to notch up a big score, stating, "It's about batting for a whole day, batting for 4.5 to 5 hours, and getting a big score. That is what is going to give him confidence for the Test matches."
Rohit's poor form has already led to his exclusion from the New Year’s Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, further highlighting the urgency of addressing his batting woes. Gavaskar’s recommendation aligns with a broader strategy of using domestic cricket to build resilience and sharpen skills in challenging conditions.
Mumbai, Rohit’s domestic team, is currently placed third in Elite Group A of the Ranji Trophy. They are set to face Jammu and Kashmir in their next fixture. If Mumbai progresses to the knockout rounds, Rohit’s inclusion could serve as a dual benefit—strengthening Mumbai’s campaign while offering the Indian captain a chance to work on his game in competitive conditions.
The call for Rohit to return to domestic cricket reflects a time-tested approach for elite players to regain their form and confidence. Gavaskar’s insights reinforce the importance of first-class cricket as a breeding ground for skill enhancement, even for seasoned players like Rohit Sharma.
