Pressure mounts on Rohit, Virat to play domestic cricket

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There is a huge pressure on Rohit Sharma to play domestic cricket ahead of the England series. Simply, because of the tension surrounding India’s squad and its senior figures, especially after the disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit’s absence from the playing XI in the fifth Test against Australia, despite being the captain, made waves, particularly his form, or lack of it thereof, in that series. His decision to “drop himself” rather than being dropped, reflects on the kind of internal pressure players like him may face when performance doesn’t meet expectations.

Rohit’s situation is complicated due to the looming England ODI series and Champions Trophy, which might influence his decision to feature in Mumbai’s Ranji match. It’s not just about form, but also about managing workloads and ensuring readiness for the big international events coming up. If he plays in the Ranji Trophy game against Jammu and Kashmir, it will signal his commitment to get back to form and reaffirm his presence in the Indian setup, particularly given his leadership role.

Rohit’s participation in domestic cricket could be a good move for him, as it would not only help in regaining form but also silence questions surrounding his commitment and reputation. If he does join Mumbai for the game, it would be a statement that he’s not resting on his laurels, despite the pressure of upcoming international commitments. It could also ease the minds of his fans, the Mumbai Ranji team, and perhaps the selectors, especially with the ODI series and Champions Trophy on the horizon.

As for Virat Kohli, while the pressure to play domestic cricket is similar, his form and place in the team have been treated differently. Kohli’s consistency and past performances have likely protected him from the kind of scrutiny that Rohit faces right now, but if both senior players are seen taking part in domestic cricket, it would show them in good light.