India’s key Test players struggle for runs in Ranji Trophy

India’s Test batters, including skipper Rohit Sharma, had a disappointing start to their Ranji Trophy campaigns on Thursday, as all four failed to reach double figures in the second round of the tournament.  

The second phase of India’s premier domestic first-class competition brought renewed excitement as several Test players returned to their state teams after a challenging tour of Australia.  

Captain Rohit Sharma, who scored just 31 runs in five innings during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), opened for Mumbai. However, his struggles continued as he managed only three runs before being dismissed by opening bowler Umar Nazir. Sharma’s half-hearted pull shot ended his brief stay at the crease.  

Mumbai also included Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was selected over promising teenager Ayush Mhatre. Jaiswal, who performed well in Australia, fell for just four runs, trapped lbw by Auqib Nabi.  

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who had shown flashes of brilliance during the BGT with memorable knocks in the Boxing Day and Sydney Tests, had a poor outing for Delhi. Walking in at 84-3 against Saurashtra, Pant faced just 10 balls and scored one run before being caught on the boundary while attempting a sweep against spinner Dharmendrasinh Jadeja.  

Shubman Gill, leading Punjab against Kolkata, also struggled. The talented batter was dismissed for just four runs, falling to Abhilash Shetty.  

The lackluster performances of these key players in the Ranji trophy have raised concerns about their form ahead of upcoming international assignments.