"Rohit Sharma's attitude is...": Ajinkya Rahane's bold remark on India captain joining Mumbai Ranji Team

Out-of-favor India batter Ajinkya Rahane is delighted to have Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal back in Mumbai's squad for upcoming the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match. Ajinkya Rahane praised Rohit Sharma for his relaxed attitude, adding that no one needs to tell him what to do, even at the international level.

Ajinkya Rahane will captain Mumbai in the upcoming Ranji Trophy fixture against Jammu and Kashmir, starting on Thursday, January 23, at the BKC ground in Mumbai. Rohit Sharma will return to domestic cricket after nearly a decade. Rohit last played his Ranji Trophy match during the 2015-16 season against UP.

Aapko Bhi Pata Hai Rohit Ka Character - Ajinkya Rahane

Speaking to the media on the eve of Mumbai's next outing, Ajinkya Rahane said that Mumbai is lucky to have Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal back in the team. Rahane backed Rohit Sharma to come out of his form slump in the longer format of the game.

"See, Rohit is Rohit. We all know that. Aapko bhi pata hai Rohit ka character (You also know Rohit's character). I am really happy to have both of them back in the Mumbai dressing room," Rahane told media during Mumbai's training session on Wednesday.

"Rohit has always been relaxed. Even playing at the international level, his character is similar. His attitude is pretty much relaxed. He knows his game really well so, no one has to tell him what he needs to do. Once he gets in, I'm sure he will do well. He has never changed, which is a very good thing," he added.

Rohit scored 31 runs across five innings at an average of just 6.20 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He has managed only 164 runs in his last 15 Test innings at an average below 11, with just one half-century.

Meanwhile, Mumbai, the defending champions, are currently third in the Group A points table with 22 points, having won three out of five matches.

He's Only Playing This Game - Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane said that Rohit Sharma might only play in the current Ranji Trophy match and could miss Mumbai's final group-stage game against Meghalaya. "I think he's only playing this game; not sure about the next game. His inputs in the next four days will be really important.

Rohit Sharma has an outstanding first-class career, amassing 9,287 runs at an average of 49.39, with 29 centuries in 128 matches. He is expected to return as captain for the ODI series against England, which begins on February 6. Mumbai's match against Meghalaya is scheduled from January 30 to February 2.

I Am Really Confident About Rohit - Ajinkya Rahane

Rahane emphasized that Rohit is determined and hungry to perform well. He stated that Rohit batted well in recent practice sessions.

"What is important is (that) he is hungry, he is determined to do well. I am sure once he gets in, he will get a big one. He batted really well yesterday (in) a couple of sessions so it's part and parcel of a player's career. I am really confident about Rohit," said Rahane.

Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma not to travel to Pakistan for Photoshoot, confirms BCCI