The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season witnessed a mix of excitement and disappointment as some of India’s biggest cricketing stars returned to domestic cricket. Among them, Ravindra Jadeja emerged as the lone bright spot, leading from the front with an impressive performance. In contrast, other key Indian players such as Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal faced early setbacks, leaving their fans and selectors looking for improvement.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Five-Wicket Haul Steals the Spotlight
Ravindra Jadeja, representing Saurashtra, stole the limelight on a spin-friendly pitch in Rajkot. His exceptional bowling performance saw him take a five-wicket haul, leading to Delhi’s collapse for just 188 runs. Jadeja’s display of skill with the ball not only reaffirmed his importance in India’s Test setup but also proved why he is regarded as one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket today.
Jadeja’s dominance with the ball was a stark contrast to the struggles of other Indian cricketers in the Ranji Trophy, underscoring the growing importance of domestic cricket in honing skills and getting players back into form.
Rohit Sharma’s Return to Ranji Trophy: A Struggle for Form
After a string of disappointing performances in recent Test series against Australia and New Zealand, Rohit Sharma made his return to the Ranji Trophy with Mumbai. However, the Mumbai captain’s return was far from ideal. Rohit’s signature pull shot off Umar Nazir Mir ended in a leading edge, caught by Jammu & Kashmir’s skipper Paras Dogra at mid-off. Rohit, who has not played domestic cricket in over a decade, was dismissed for just 3 runs. His return to Ranji Trophy was anticipated as a chance to regain his form, but it ended in disappointment.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Struggles Continue
Alongside Rohit Sharma, young opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal also had a disappointing outing. Jaiswal, who had shown promise at the international level, was dismissed for just 4 runs in Mumbai’s match. His failure to capitalize on his opportunity has raised questions about his ability to perform under pressure, despite his solid domestic track record.
Rishabh Pant’s Disastrous First-Class Return
Rishabh Pant’s return to first-class cricket after a long hiatus did not go as planned. Playing against Saurashtra in Rajkot, Pant, known for his explosive batting, was dismissed for a mere 1 run off 10 balls. Veteran left-arm spinner Dharmendrasingh Jadeja trapped Pant, showing the depth of quality spinners in Indian domestic cricket. Pant’s poor form continues after a series of underwhelming performances in recent international matches.
Shubman Gill’s Early Departure in Bengaluru
In another disappointing turn for India’s international stars, Shubman Gill fell early during the Punjab-Karnataka game in Bengaluru. Gill, who has been in good form on the international stage, was dismissed for just 4 runs, caught behind by Abhilash Shetty. Gill’s failure added to the list of underwhelming performances from India’s top players in this round of the Ranji Trophy.
Shreyas Iyer’s Brief Moment of Promise
On a more positive note, Shreyas Iyer showed some glimpses of his domestic form, starting his innings with a six in his match. However, his joy was short-lived as he was dismissed for just 11 runs, caught at mid-on off pacer Yudhvir Singh. Despite this, Iyer has been in fine form in the domestic circuit and remains a key figure for India, especially with his inclusion in the 2025 Champions Trophy squad.
Virat Kohli’s Absence: Focus Shifts to the Rest of the Team
While several big names struggled in the Ranji Trophy, Virat Kohli, one of India’s most successful cricketers, made himself unavailable for Delhi’s sixth-round match due to neck stiffness. Kohli has made himself available for Delhi’s next match against Services, which begins on January 30 in Rajkot. His absence in this round has raised some concerns, but the focus remains on the other players looking to rediscover their form in the tournament.
A New Era for Indian Cricketers in Domestic Cricket
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made the participation of contracted players in domestic cricket mandatory, following India’s disappointing series losses to Australia. This policy shift has led to the return of several top international players to the Ranji Trophy, giving fans hope for some thrilling domestic cricket. While Jadeja shined with his match-winning performance, the struggles of key players like Rohit, Pant, and Gill highlight the unpredictable nature of the game, where form can fluctuate rapidly.
Conclusion: Hope for Redemption in Upcoming Matches
As the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season progresses, all eyes will be on India’s key players as they strive to regain their form. Ravindra Jadeja’s performance has set a high standard, and now it is up to the others, including Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, to step up and deliver in the coming rounds. With Virat Kohli’s return to action on the horizon, the competition is expected to intensify, making for an exciting domestic season.
