Rohit Sharma's Surprise Decision Amid BCCI's Domestic Cricket Pressure: Set to Play in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Report Says

Rohit Sharma's Surprise Decision Amid BCCI's Domestic Cricket Pressure: Set to Play in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Report Says

Rohit Sharma will be opening for Mumbai in the knockout rounds of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The decision comes after Rohit announced to be return to domestic cricket. The right-hander, who last played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the 2011-12 season, has already confirmed his participation for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Rohit Sharma is ready to take his domestic cricket commitments further and is likely to play in the knockout stage of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s top domestic T20 competition. Even though he retired from international T20S after the 2024 World Cup, the 38-year-old has reportedly told the Mumbai Cricket Association that he wants to join the team once India’s ongoing ODI series against South Africa ends. The knockouts will be held in Indore from December 12 to 18.

A source from the Mumbai Cricket Association confirmed Rohit’s interest, saying he has expressed his desire to play for Mumbai in the knockouts.

Currently active only in ODIs for India, Rohit’s participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (India’s premier 50-over domestic tournament) has already been a hot topic. Many believe he needs to play domestic cricket to stay in form and maintain fitness. While he has already agreed to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he now seems keen to also feature in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

This decision is surprising because it has been nearly 18 months since his T20I retirement, yet he is returning to play domestic T20 cricket.

Mumbai have performed strongly this season, winning four out of five Elite Group A matches, and are almost certain to qualify for the knockouts. The team is currently led by Shardul Thakur, Rohit’s former India teammate, who will also join him at the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2026 season.

The Mumbai squad includes big names like Ajinkya Rahane, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ayush Mhatre. India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has also played in the group stage but will miss the knockouts due to national duty against South Africa.