Mumbai: Rohit's Sharma's much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy was cut short on Thursday, as the Indian Test and ODI captain was dismissed for just 3 runs off 19 balls in Mumbai's Group A clash against Jammu and Kashmir at the Sharad Pawar Academy in Mumbai.

Having confirmed his participation during last week's Champions Trophy squad announcement, Rohit was under the microscope due to his recent struggles in international cricket. His brief innings on Thursday added to the concerns over his form, especially in red-ball cricket. Opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit looked composed before being dismissed by Jammu and Kashmir's Umar Nazir Mir. Despite facing a disciplined line and subtle movement from Mir, Rohit managed a single and two runs from a drive. However, a length delivery outside off-stump, with slight movement away, drew a leading edge, and Paras Dogra completed the catch at extra cover.

Rohit's dismissal extended his lean patch in Test cricket. He finished the 2024-25 Test season with an average of just 10.93, with only one half-century in 15 innings. His first-class average of 10.43 in 16 innings this season is the second-lowest since 2006 among batters with at least 15 innings in the top six.

The early dismissal of Rohit was followed by Yashasvi Jaiswal's departure for a mere 4 runs. The left-handed opener, known for his solid technique, was trapped lbw by J&K's Auqib Nabi. Nabi's sharp delivery jagged back to beat Jaiswal's inside edge, striking him deep in the crease. The umpire raised his finger without hesitation, leaving Mumbai at a precarious 12/2.

Mumbai, struggling to adapt to the conditions, made some changes in the lineup, leaving out debut season star Ayush Mhatre, who had been in impressive form, scoring 408 runs at an average of 45.33. On a cool Mumbai morning, J&K's disciplined bowling attack exploited the favorable conditions, leaving Mumbai's openers floundering.

The struggles continued for Mumbai as captain Ajinkya Rahane fell for 12, clean bowled by Umar Nazir, leaving the team at 30/3. Shreyas Iyer, who has also made a comeback to the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy, followed suit. Iyer was dismissed for 11, caught by Umar Nazir off Yudhvir Singh.

Meanwhile, in other domestic games, India's top international stars continued to face difficulties. In Delhi's Group D clash against Saurashtra in Rajkot, Rishabh Pant was out for just 1 run, caught off a delivery by DA Jadeja.

In Bengaluru, India's newly appointed vice-captain for the upcoming England ODIs and the Champions Trophy, Shubman Gill, also had a disappointing outing for Punjab against Karnataka. Gill managed just 4 runs before being dismissed by Abhilash Shetty, caught by KL Shrijith.

These underwhelming performances from key Indian players in domestic cricket have raised concerns about their form as they prepare for important upcoming international fixtures. Despite the disappointing returns, the players will be hoping to regain their touch in the coming weeks ahead of the Champions Trophy and the England ODI series.

As the domestic season unfolds, fans and critics alike will be closely watching these prominent players, hoping for a strong return to form before they don the national jersey once again.