India’s out-of-favour batter Ajinkya Rahane has decided to leave captaincy of Mumbai’s Ranji team. Rahane took to Instagram to share the development. He will continue to play for Mumbai in domestic cricket.
“Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour,” Rahane wrote on social media.
“With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it's 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 as a player and will continue my journey with MCA to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season.”
Mumbai are yet to announce their new captain.
Rahane in previous Ranji season
Under Rahane’s captaincy, Mumbai lost in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semifinal against Vidarbha. Rahane did not have the best of seasons with the bat. The middle-order batter scored 467 runs from nine Tests at an average of 35.92, including once century and one fifty.
Rahane's Ranji triumph
However, in the 2023-23 season, Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy for the 42nd time. At Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai beat Vidarbha by 169 runs to claim the title.
Rahane still hungry for Test cricket
Rahane has been absent from the Test squad since the West Indies tour. While he is not in the scheme of things, he still wishes to play Test cricket.
"I still want to play Test cricket," Rahane told Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton in an interview with Sky Sports. "I'm really passionate about playing Test cricket. I'm enjoying my cricket at the moment.
"I'm here just for a few days. I carried my trainers and my training clothes so that I can keep myself fit. Our domestic season is starting, so preparations have just begun."
Rahane said that he has chosen to carry on despite lack of communication with the selectors.
"For me, it's all about focusing on the controllable things," the 37-year-old said. "Frankly, I tried to have conversations with the selectors, but things [like that are] as a player I cannot control. I got no response. As a player all I can do is keep playing cricket, keep enjoying the game, give my best each and every time. I love playing Test cricket, love playing red-ball, it's a passion. The love for the game keeps me going."