Mumbai cricket team stalwart Ajinkya Rahane has announced his decision to step down as the captain ahead of the upcoming domestic season. The seasoned veteran led the side to a record Ranji Trophy triumph in 2023-24 followed by a Irani Cup win in 2024. Explaining his decision, Rahane said that it was the right time for Mumbai to groom a new leader.
Rahane quits as Mumbai captain
Taking to social media platform X, Rahane said that it was an absolute honour to lead Mumbai to championships and title wins. The veteran said that while it was time for the team to groom a fresh face as captain, he stated that he would continue giving his best for the team as a player.
“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.
Rahane’s list of accolades as captain is commendable. Some of the highlightsinclude winning the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2022/23, Duleep Trophy 2022/23, Ranji Trophy 2023/24 and the Irani Cup in 2024. It is pertinent to point out that Rahane has previously led India in T20Is, ODIs and Tests. He was named KKR’s captain for IPL 2025.
Rahane, who will be playing his 19th first-class season this year, has been left out of the West Zone squad in Duleep Trophy. Instead, his Mumbai teammate Shardul Thakur has been named captain. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre has been named the captain of the Mumbai side in the ongoing Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament.
With Rahane stepping down as captain, Mumbai have plenty of options to choose his successor. The stars who could be frontrunners for captaincy include Shardul and Shreyas Iyer.
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