Shamik Chakrabarty, Mumbai
Only a couple of days ago, Ajinkya Naik, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president, told RevSportz that the selectors and the association’s cricket committee would take a call on Ajinkya Rahane’s future as the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team captain. The player’s decision to relinquish captaincy came on its heels. That the MCA is planning to groom a new captain was reported by this website.
“Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour,” Rahane said in a classy post on X (formerly Twitter).
He added: “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 as a player and will continue my journey with @MumbaiCricAssoc to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season.”
Mumbai won their 42nd Ranji Trophy crown under Rahane in 2023-24. They reached the last four last season. But transition is in the air in Mumbai cricket and according to an MCA functionary, they want to “groom Ayush Mhatre as the future captain”. The 18-year-old is already leading the senior Mumbai team in the Buchi Babu Tournament. But handing him over the Ranji Trophy reins right away is unlikely.
According to an MCA official, the selectors might pick Rahane’s successor “based on the availability” of the players who are expected to be part of the Indian team.
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