Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik analyzed Rohit Sharma’s return to domestic cricket, which saw two disappointing performances against Jammu and Kashmir in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. The Indian captain managed scores of 3 and 28 in the first and second innings, respectively, as Mumbai suffered a five-wicket loss in their second-to-last group-stage match.

Rohit has been out of form since India’s home season, with a series of underwhelming performances in the Bangladesh and New Zealand series, followed by a poor showing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In Australia, he accumulated just 31 runs from three matches and decided to sit out the series finale in Sydney.

These struggles in both international and domestic cricket have raised questions about his red-ball future. However, Karthik believes that Rohit’s recent setbacks will not impact his confidence heading into the crucial white-ball phase, which includes a bilateral ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“He’s not going to lose confidence for the Champions Trophy. He’s just trying to find his rhythm. Honestly, his confidence couldn’t have been lower than it was during the Australia tour. As for BKC, I’m surprised Mumbai chose to bat after winning the toss. In the second innings, I thought Rohit played a few lovely shots,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

Rohit Sharma decided to make himself unavailable for Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match against Meghalaya, opting to concentrate on his preparation for the upcoming ODI series.

Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik, the first Indian to participate in the SA20 competition, was behind the stumps for Paarl Royals in the match. He played a key role in their victory, taking a crucial catch and executing two stumpings.

“Representing Paarl Royals feels just like playing for Tamil Nadu again lots of spin. Bowling 20 overs of spin wasn’t part of the plan. We chose bowlers who could deliver spin, and all of them performed,” Karthik added.

Karthik also achieved a personal milestone, scoring his maiden fifty in the SA20 during Paarl Royals’ recent defeat to Joburg Super Kings on their away trip.