'He is hungry' - Ajinkya Rahane backs Rohit Sharma to score big on Ranji Trophy comeback

India batter Rohit Sharma is all set to feature in the 2024-25 edition of the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai. He has made himself available for the clash against Jammu & Kashmir, scheduled to commence on January 23. The Group A clash at the MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy in Mumbai will be the first time Rohit will be playing in India's premier domestic red-ball competition after the 2015-16 season.

Mumbai's skipper, Ajinkya Rahane, was confident that a calm and composed Rohit would end up scoring aplenty, based on his craving to succeed and how the star batter looked at comfort in the net sessions ahead of the encounter.

"What is important is 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 [net] sessions, so it's part and parcel of a player's career. I am really confident about Rohit. 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," stated Rahane, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Rohit's inputs important for us: Rahane

Rohit's opening partner in Tests, Yashasvi Jaiswal, is also set to feature in the impending fixture, Rahane also emphasised the importance of the opening duo, and their on-field presence in the upcoming match for the overall squad.

"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. As a team, [and] individually, players are going up to them [and] asking questions, learning from them.  Once they are on the field, I am sure the players will watch them, and they'll learn a lot of things from them," he added.

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As per the Mumbai captain, Rohit will not be featuring for Mumbai in their following game against Meghalaya, set to start from January 30. This may be because the three-match ODI series against England (starting January 06) will see Rohit leading the side, which would demand his availability at least three days prior to the first game in Nagpur.