Ajinkya Rahane, a seasoned batter, has announced his decision to step down as captain of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team to foster the development of a new leader for the upcoming season, as reported. Rahane, who will continue to play for Mumbai, emphasized his commitment to contributing as a player and helping the team secure more titles. “Leading Mumbai to championships has been a true privilege,” Rahane shared on social media. “With the new domestic season approaching, I believe it’s time to nurture fresh leadership, and thus, I’ve chosen to relinquish the captaincy role.”
Rahane’s decision follows a meeting with key figures in Mumbai’s cricket setup, including former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, now the men’s cricket advisor, alongside senior selection committee and Cricket Improvement Committee members. An insider from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) indicated that Rahane was informed of the selection committee’s intent to appoint a new captain, to which he responded positively. Under Rahane’s leadership, Mumbai clinched their 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023-24 season, ending an eight-year drought.
Despite his success as captain, Rahane’s batting form has been inconsistent in recent Ranji seasons. In 2023-24, he struggled, scoring 214 runs in 13 innings at an average of 17.83. The following season, he improved, amassing 467 runs in 14 innings at 35.92, particularly shining in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy. With Rahane stepping down, he faces pressure to cement his place in the team amid competition from emerging talents.
The Mumbai selectors, led by Sanjay Patil, now face the task of choosing a new captain. With Shreyas Iyer likely unavailable due to international commitments, all-rounder Shardul Thakur, recently named West Zone captain for the Duleep Trophy, is a strong candidate to lead Mumbai in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, starting October 15 against Jammu and Kashmir.
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