Rahane resigns as Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy captain

Ajinkya Rahane has stepped down as captain of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy team ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season, saying the time is right to groom a new leader. The 37-year-old informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) of his decision but stressed that he would continue playing for the team and remain fully committed as a senior player.

“Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour,” Rahane wrote in a social media post. “With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader. I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with MCA to help us win more trophies.”

Rahane, one of Mumbai’s most experienced players, guided the team to their record 42nd Ranji Trophy title in 2023-24, ending a nine-year wait for silverware. However, his personal form in red-ball cricket has been inconsistent, with just 467 runs in 27 innings across the past two seasons. He found more success in white-ball cricket, most notably during the 2023-24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he scored 469 runs and was named Player of the Tournament as Mumbai lifted the title under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy.

In the IPL 2025 season, Rahane led Kolkata Knight Riders and finished as their top run-getter with 390 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 147.27. Despite his efforts, KKR endured a disappointing campaign, finishing eighth.

Rahane has been vocal about his passion for red-ball cricket. In July, he told Sky Sports that he still aspired to play Test cricket, carrying his trainers and gear even on holiday to prepare for the new season. He admitted to reaching out to selectors but received no response, emphasizing that he can only focus on performance and his love for the game.

Mumbai, meanwhile, are preparing for the upcoming domestic calendar with an eye on youth development. At the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament in Chennai, the side is being led by 18-year-old Ayush Mhatre, while Shardul Thakur has been named captain of West Zone for the Duleep Trophy.