Rohit Sharma confirmed to play in Ranji Trophy, but raised questions on players' participation in domestic cricket.

Indian Test and ODI team captain Rohit Sharma on Saturday confirmed that he will play in Mumbai's next Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir. However, he expressed concern over the participation of star players in domestic matches, stating that the busy schedule of the international calendar was making it difficult for players to find time. The second phase of Ranji Trophy is starting from January 23, and Mumbai team will play against Jammu and Kashmir at the MCA-BKC ground.

During a press conference at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, Rohit said, “For the last 6-7 years it has never happened in our calendar that we sit at home for 45 days. “This happens when there is no international match immediately after the end of the IPL.” He also said that “Our domestic season starts in October and runs till March. Players who are not playing all formats for the national team can participate in domestic cricket.”

Clarifying his position, Rohit said, “I have played Test cricket regularly since 2019, so it becomes difficult to find time. When you play regular international cricket, you need time to stay fresh. It is not that anyone is taking domestic cricket lightly.”

The 37-year-old has refused to retire despite scoring just one half-century in his last 15 innings in Test cricket. He recently practiced with the Mumbai team at the Wankhede Stadium. Rohit had a bad tour of Australia, where he scored only 31 runs in three matches, due to which he could not play in the last Test of the five-match series. Rohit last played Ranji match in 2015.