Ajinkya Rahane has resigned as Mumbai’s domestic cricket captain, citing the need to usher in fresh leadership for the team.
Ajinkya Rahane Steps Down as Mumbai Captain to Groom New Leader
Veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane announced on Thursday that he is stepping down as Mumbai’s captain in domestic cricket. Taking to social media, Rahane explained that the decision was made to provide an opportunity for a new leader to emerge ahead of the upcoming domestic season.
“Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour. With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role,” Rahane wrote on X.
The 37-year-old confirmed that he will continue playing for Mumbai and has no plans to retire. “I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with Mumbai to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season,” he added.
Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour.
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) August 21, 2025
With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role.
I remain fully committed to giving my best…
Under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership, Mumbai clinched the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last season, with Rahane finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer. The team also reached the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy, narrowly losing to Vidarbha by 90 runs.
Rahane ranks second on Mumbai’s all-time first-class run-scorers list, behind former India opener Wasim Jaffer. In 76 matches, he has accumulated 5,932 runs at an impressive average of 52. The right-hander has also scored 19 centuries for Mumbai in first-class cricket, second only to Jaffer’s 29, cementing his legacy as one of the team’s most prolific batsmen.
Will KKR sack Rahane as captain?
Reports suggest that KKR could explore trading high-profile players like KL Rahul or Sanju Samson, both of whom have the experience and credentials to assume the captaincy if needed. The team finished sixth this season, a decline from last year’s title-winning campaign under Shreyas Iyer, further fueling discussions around leadership changes and potential squad reshuffles for the upcoming IPL season.
Who will be Mumbai’s next captain after Ajinkya Rahane?
Mumbai’s squad boasts no shortage of leaders, featuring experienced players like Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sarfaraz Khan. Among them, all except Jaiswal and Sarfaraz have notable captaincy experience. Iyer has led three IPL franchises, while Suryakumar currently captains India’s T20I side.
With Jaiswal engaged in Test cricket, Mumbai selectors may prefer a captain available for most of the domestic season. Since neither Iyer nor Suryakumar is currently involved in Tests, they emerge as ideal candidates to take Mumbai cricket forward following Rahane’s departure. This depth in leadership ensures continuity and competitive strength for the team in the upcoming domestic campaigns.
