24 January,2025 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh Mayure
Parth Nargund and Roque Machado
Though Mumbai's star opener Rohit Sharma departed early after scoring just three against Jammu & Kashmir on Day One of the Ranji Trophy match at the MCA-BKC ground on Thursday, a group of around 50 fans were seen shouting when he was fielding, "Mumbai cha raja, Rohit Sharmaâ¦come on Rohit."
After the day's play, Rohit made his way to the boundary rope to oblige a few fans with autographs. However, spectators, who specially came to watch him bat were disappointed.
Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Rohit Sharma departs early, Mumbai's innings wraps up for 120 runs
Thane-based Parth Nargund, 21, who was hoping to see his hero make a strong comeback, said: "I was really excited to see Rohit playing a Ranji match after a long time. And being a Mumbaikar and cricket follower, I wanted him to score big, come out of poor form and shut some mouths. He got out early and I was slightly disappointed. But I am confident he will bounce back in the second innings."
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Roque Machado, 61, felt Rohit's reflexes are affecting his game. "I did not have much expectations from Rohit, but Yashasvi Jaiswal should have done a better job. I feel Rohit is a fraction of a second slower to recognise line, length and the pace of the delivery. It is disappointing, because if Rohit cannot handle the pace of J&K's Umar [Nazir Mir] or Yudhvir Singh, it is impossible for him to succeed in the Test series in England [in June], where he will be playing pacers on moving pitches."