Rohit Sharma is set to make a rare domestic appearance when he turns out for Mumbai in their opening Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture against Sikkim on December 24 in Jaipur.
The match, to be held at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, has generated significant buzz, with fans in the city eager to catch a glimpse of the former Indian captain in action. This outing marks Rohit's return to India's premier List A competition after a gap of six years, with his last Vijay Hazare Trophy appearance coming back in 2018.
His inclusion follows a clear directive from the BCCI, which has asked centrally contracted players to feature in domestic tournaments whenever international commitments allow. For Mumbai, led by Shardul Thakur, Rohit's presence adds both experience
and star value to an already formidable squad.
According to reports, Rohit will play Mumbai's first two group-stage matches - against Sikkim on December 24 and Uttarakhand on December 26. Both games are scheduled to take place in Jaipur, giving local fans a rare opportunity to watch one of Indian cricket's biggest names from close quarters.
Unlike Bengaluru, where fans were barred from watching Virat Kohli due to government orders mandating closed-door matches, Jaipur is expected to welcome spectators. Preparations have been made for a crowd of around 2,000 to 3,000 fans initially as reported by The Indian Express.
The East Stand, which can accommodate close to 5,000 spectators, has been opened to the public, with entry free of cost - a standard practice for domestic fixtures. Additional seating could be made available if the turnout exceeds expectations.
Security arrangements have also been tightened. Officials are keen to avoid a repeat of last month's Ranji Trophy incident, where overzealous fans breached protocols to approach Yashasvi Jaiswal, forcing him to exit discreetly. Local authorities are hopeful that improved planning will ensure a smooth experience for both players and spectators.
Fans also got a sneak peek of Rohit ahead of the match, as he was spotted training at the RCA Academy ground near the stadium. His extended net session, focused on playing late and preparing for the new ball, drew small but excited groups, including many young fans.
For those unable to attend in person, the match is expected to show on TV and on online, but we are still yet to get an official word. MyKhel is currently on it and will give an update soon. With Rohit now featuring primarily in ODIs at the international level, every appearance has added significance - and Jaipur is all set to witness one such special occasion.
