[Watch] Crowd chants ‘Mumbai cha raja Rohit Sharma’ during PMXI vs India warm-up game 2024 

The Canberra crowd was electrified as they welcomed Rohit Sharma back during the ongoing warm-up game between India and PMXI on Sunday, December 1, at Manuka Oval. Rohit missed the first 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test to spend time with his family following the birth of his son on November 15.

Meanwhile, the first day of the warm-up match was washed out due to rain, and the game was rescheduled for 50 overs per side on Day 2. The visitors won the toss and chose to bowl first. As the Indian team walked onto the field, the crowd erupted in chants of ‘Rohit-Rohit’ and ‘Mumbai cha raja, Rohit Sharma.’

Here’s a video of the moment:

Mohammed Siraj handed India an early breakthrough, dismissing Matt Renshaw for 5 off 20 balls. The match was then interrupted by rain, with PMXI at 21 for one after 5.3 overs. As a result, the game was reduced to 46 overs per side.

Once play resumed, Akash Deep added to India's tally, sending Jayden Goodwin back for a run-a-ball four. PMXI were 22 for two after seven overs at the time of writing, with Sam Konstas on 11 and Jack Clayton yet to score.

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Rohit Sharma has scored three Test fifties in Australia

India were outstanding in the first Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning by 295 runs under stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah. The visitors must be delighted to welcome their regular captain, Rohit Sharma, back for the remainder of the series.

The 37-year-old has played seven Tests in Australia, scoring 408 runs at an average of 31.38, including three fifties. However, his form in 2024 has been a bit underwhelming, with 588 runs in 11 matches at an average of 29.40, which includes two fifties and as many centuries.

As the second Test (pink-ball) begins on Friday, December 6, in Adelaide, the Indian skipper will be eager to lead from the front with the bat.