Rohit Sharma joins Mumbai Ranji squad for practice ahead of J&K clash
Mumbai: India’s Test captain, Rohit Sharma, has taken a significant step towards rediscovering his form by joining Mumbai's Ranji Trophy team for a net session at Wankhede Stadium. This decision follows an underwhelming performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India suffered a 1-3 series defeat against Australia. Upon his return, Rohit resumed training immediately, practising at the MCA-BKS ground to sharpen his skills for upcoming challenges, including the Champions Trophy.
Mumbai are set to face Jammu & Kashmir in the next round of the Ranji Trophy, beginning on 23 January. Although Rohit’s participation in the match is yet to be confirmed, he has opted for rigorous net sessions to regain his touch with the red ball. According to sources within the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), a decision on his inclusion in the playing XI will be made soon.
Rohit last featured in the Ranji Trophy in 2015 against Uttar Pradesh. His decision to practise domestically comes after a difficult tour of Australia, where he managed just 37 runs in four Tests at an average of 10.93. The disappointing series also marked Australia’s reclaiming of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade.
India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has emphasised the importance of domestic cricket for players committed to the red-ball format. He has expressed his belief that participating in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy is essential for honing skills and producing quality Test players. Rohit’s return to domestic cricket aligns with this sentiment, as does the suggestion that Virat Kohli, another player struggling in Tests, should consider rejoining the Ranji circuit. Kohli’s last appearance in the Ranji Trophy was in 2012.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
