The much-anticipated sixth round of the Ranji Trophy saw a significant increase in excitement with the return of key Indian Test stars to the domestic circuit. Among these stars were captain Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill, who were all participating for their respective state teams.
This influx of international cricketers came as part of a new policy introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which mandates international players to participate in domestic cricket as part of their regular schedule.
However, despite the heightened expectations, the opening day of the competition’s second leg was not kind to these renowned players. In an unexpected turn of events, all four were dismissed for single-digit scores, leaving their fans disappointed.
Rohit Sharma's much-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy after a decade was short-lived, lasting just 19 balls. He was dismissed for a mere three runs by Jammu & Kashmir fast-bowler Umar Nazir at the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy ground in Mumbai.
Nazir’s disciplined and accurate bowling caused Rohit significant trouble, with consecutive maidens preceding a length delivery outside off. As Rohit attempted a pull shot, he misjudged the delivery and got caught at extra cover, continuing his lean patch in red-ball cricket.
This dismissal extended his struggles, following a disappointing average of just 10.93 in the 2024/25 Test season for India.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, another highly promising young cricketer, also failed to make an impact on the opening day. He was dismissed for just four runs by Auqib Nabi, who utilised the early morning conditions to full effect.
The fast bowler, making full use of the nip in the pitch, bowled a sharp delivery that jagged back and trapped Jaiswal lbw, sending him back to the pavilion early.
Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, Shubman Gill faced a similar fate, being dismissed for just four runs off eight balls. The Punjab opener was caught behind off Karnataka pacer Abhilash Shetty as his team was bundled out for a mere 55 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, in what was a dismal performance.
In Rajkot, the scenario was no better for Rishabh Pant, who was making his first appearance in the Ranji Trophy since December 2017. Playing for Delhi against Saurashtra, Pant’s innings was over in the blink of an eye as he was dismissed for just one run off 10 balls.
In an attempt to sweep a delivery from Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Pant lost his balance and was caught at deep square leg, much to the disappointment of his supporters.
While the batters endured a day to forget, there was a bright spot for the bowling side. Ravindra Jadeja delivered an outstanding performance with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 66 runs in 17.4 overs as Saurashtra bowled Delhi out for just 188 runs.
Jadeja’s contribution was crucial in restricting Delhi, and his remarkable performance highlighted his all-round abilities in the game.
The quartet of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill will now have the opportunity to redeem themselves in the second innings of their respective teams.
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