One of India’s all-time great T20I batsmen, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game following India’s victory in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. However, he has now indicated otherwise with his desire to feature in the SMAT Knockout for his home team, Mumbai.
Mumbai have been dominant in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, as they remain undefeated in four matches in the season. They are among the three teams from different groups who have not lost a game so far, with Rajasthan and Jharkhand being the other two from Group D.
On the other hand, former Indian captain Rohit Sharma is playing for Team India in the ODI series against South Africa as he works hard to maintain his dominance at the top of the Indian innings to retain his place till the 2027 World Cup.
Rohit Sharma is ready to play for Mumbai in SMAT Knockout
After retiring from both T20I and Test cricket, Indian legend Rohit Sharma was urged to play in the domestic one-day tournament, Vijay Hazare Trophy, to get more game time. Ajit Agarkar had made this proposal due to India’s limited schedule in the 50 over format.
Rohit has presumably confirmed his availability to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but in a shocking development, he has now shown interest in playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy knockout matches for Mumbai. This seems to be a shocking step by the former Indian captain after his retirement from International T20.
However, Times of India has reported that the Indian batsman wants to represent his team Mumbai in the knockouts of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, starting on December 12. Having already won four matches, they have more chances of reaching the knockouts.
“Rohit has expressed his desire to play for Mumbai in the SMAT knockouts,” A source from Mumbai Cricket Association said.
Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dubey will leave Mumbai before the knockout.
Currently Rohit Sharma is playing the ODI series, which will conclude on Saturday 6th December. Mumbai have players like Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dubey in the SMAT group-stage games.
Before the South Africa tour, Surya has also performed brilliantly with the bat and Dubey has also performed well with the bat and ball. India will host South Africa for the T20 series from December 9 to 19 of the same month. Therefore, before the SMAT knockouts, SKY and Dubey will be separated from the Mumbai team.
Therefore, Rohit Sharma can be included in the Mumbai squad, as he will bring immense experience as the World Cup-winning captain of the Indian team.
Mumbai dominated Group A with the bat of Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan
Mumbai have prospered under new captain Shardul Thakur and have produced all-round performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season. The team led by Shardul Thakur had earlier dominated the Ranji Trophy as well.
Ayush Mhatre has been the most impressive performer on the show with two consecutive centuries in the edition, and Sarfaraz Khan has made a strong comeback with a century on his return in the SMAT.
Mumbai’s spinners as well as fast bowlers led by captain Shardul Thakur have performed brilliantly, with Tushar Deshpande and Shivam Dubey also taking many wickets. With 16 points already, Mumbai is set to enter the knockouts.
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