• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Ranji Trophy: Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane has expressed his unwavering support for the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who is set to make his first Ranji Trophy appearance in almost a decade.

Rahane confidently stated that Rohit doesn't require any guidance, and once he finds his rhythm, he is likely to score a substantial innings, predicting a "big one" from the experienced batter.

As defending champions Mumbai prepare to face Jammu and Kashmir at the BKC Ground starting Thursday, all attention will be focused on Rohit and his Indian opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will be in action together, adding an extra layer of excitement to the match.

ALSO READ: IND vs ENG 1st T20I: Jos Buttler Shares A Heartwarming Gesture With A Wheelchair-Bound Fan Ahead Of 1st T20I Against India| Watch

"See, Rohit is Rohit. We all know that. Aapko bhi pata hai Rohit ka character (You also know Rohit's character). I am really happy to have both of them back in the Mumbai dressing room," Rahane told media during Mumbai's training session here on Wednesday.

"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" the Mumbai captain added.

"Once he gets in, I'm sure he will do well. He has never changed, which is a very good thing," Rahane added.

Form has deserted the 37-year-old Rohit in the past few months with Test losses to New Zealand (at home) and Australia (away) weighing heavily on him currently.

Rahane said every player goes through ups and downs but Rohit has been "really confident."

"What is important is (that) he is hungry, he is determined to do well. I am sure once he gets in, he will get a big one," the veteran, who has shared the Indian dressing room with Rohit, said.

"He batted really well yesterday (in) a couple of sessions so it's part and parcel of a player's career. I am really confident about Rohit."

Rahane, however, said the contest starting on Thursday could be the only match Rohit would play this season. Rohit will captain India against England in a three-match ODI series starting on February 6 followed by the Champions Trophy.

"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," Rahane said.

Rahane said Jaiswal has shown determination at the highest level which has been the reason for his success in international cricket.

ALSO READ: IND vs ENG T20: Mohammed Shami Opens Up On His Comeback After Injury, Says 'There Was A Sense Of Fear...'

"...(In the) last couple of years, he's been performing well for the Indian team (and) before that, going into the Indian team, he did well for Mumbai as well," he said.

"It's good to have a guy like Yashasvi in the team who is really hungry and determined to score runs. These things will really impact all the youngsters in the dressing room," Rahane added.

Rahane lauded both Rohit and Jaiswal for sharing their experiences with the Mumbai teammates.

"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.