January 23, Mumbai In Mumbai’s Group A match against Jammu and Kashmir at the Sharad Pawar Academy here on Thursday, Rohit Sharma made his eagerly awaited comeback to the Ranji Trophy, but it was brief as he just lasted 19 balls for three runs.

When the Champions Trophy roster was announced last week, the Indian Test and ODI captain, who has been criticized for his poor play, came into the limelight.

Despite his laid-back pre-match demeanor, Rohit, who opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal after Mumbai’s skipper Ajinkya Rahane decided to bat, seemed concentrated. But his visit was short. Rohit was plagued with consecutive maidens by Umar Nazir Mir of J&K, who had a disciplined line and a delicate movement. Rohit succumbed to Mir’s 17th delivery after managing just a single through the on side and a few of runs from a drive. A leading edge was drawn by a length delivery outside off with a little movement away, and Paras Dogra finished with a simple catch at extra cover.

Rohit’s poor performance in red-ball cricket was prolonged with this dismissal. He only managed one half-century in 15 innings during the 2024–25 Test season, finishing with an average of 10.93. For hitters with at least 15 innings in the top six this season, his first-class average of 10.43 in 16 innings is the second-lowest since 2006.

Jaiswal’s innings was also short. Taking advantage of the early circumstances, Auqib Nabi tested the left-hander’s movement before trapping him lbw for four. Jaiswal was hit deep in the crease by a crisp ball that jangled back and beat his inner edge. Without hesitation, the umpire lifted the finger.

Mumbai removed Ayush Mhatre, who has scored 408 runs at an average of 45.33 this season, in order to make room for Rohit and Jaiswal. Mumbai’s openers found it difficult to create an impression as J&K’s disciplined bowling took full advantage of the cold morning conditions.