India’s star players faced a disappointing return to the Ranji Trophy, with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal among those who struggled significantly in their respective matches.
This lackluster performance has raised concerns just weeks before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Flop Show of Indian Stars
- Rohit Sharma: Playing for Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir, Rohit managed only 3 runs off 19 balls before being caught at mid-off while attempting a pull shot. This marked his first Ranji Trophy appearance in nearly a decade, and he was expected to lead by example after a poor run in Australia where he scored just 31 runs across three Tests.
- Shubman Gill: The vice-captain for the Champions Trophy, Gill opened for Punjab but was dismissed for just 4 runs from 8 deliveries against Karnataka. His early exit contributed to Punjab’s dismal total of only 55 runs in their innings.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Also playing for Mumbai, Jaiswal fell for 4 runs as well, trapped leg before wicket by Auqib Nabi. His dismissal came early in the innings, contributing to Mumbai’s shaky start.
- Rishabh Pant: In a match against Saurashtra, Pant had an even tougher outing, scoring just 1 run off 10 balls before being caught off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. This performance highlighted his struggle to find form after returning from injury.
Concerns Ahead of the Champions Trophy
The performances of these players have sparked concern among fans and analysts about their readiness for the upcoming Champions Trophy scheduled to begin on February 19.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) mandated participation in domestic cricket to help players regain form post-international duties; however, the results have been far from encouraging.
The only bright spot among the Indian stars was Ravindra Jadeja, who took five wickets and contributed a quickfire 38 runs in his match, showcasing his all-round capabilities while others faltered.
As the Indian team prepares for the Champions Trophy, the spotlight will be on these players to quickly regain their form and confidence after this disappointing outing in the Ranji Trophy.
