Veteran India Cricketer Sends Shockwaves By Stepping Down as Mumbai Captain

Domestic cricket in India has been witnessing a significant boom in recent years, with the increase in the number of emerging new domestic regional leagues and attention on performance, talent scouting, and competitive fixtures across states. And one of those domestic cricket tournaments is the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season. The league provides opportunities for both emerging and experienced players. Preparation for the upcoming edition is already in full motion, with squads being finalised and leadership roles being considered for the new season.
Amid this growing excitement, the Mumbai Cricket team, one of the strongest sides in the domestic circuit, has gone through notable changes and has become the centre of recent developments. Ahead of the new Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane, who has led the Mumbai side for multiple seasons, has announced that he will step down as the team's leader. It leaves the question - Is Ajinkya Rahane Mumbai captain no longer?

Ajinkya Rahane Mumbai Captain No Longer?

Ajinkya Rahane’s, one of India's best Test captains, decision to step down from the captaincy comes as a significant moment for the Mumbai team, as he has been one of the most consistent and composed leaders in Indian domestic cricket. Under his leadership, Mumbai has enjoyed a period of revival, securing major title and re-establishing itself as a powerhouse in the league and domestic cricket, Most, notably the team clinched the Ranji Trophy in the 2023-24 season, breaking a seven-year title drought and followed it up with a victory in the Irani Trophy in 2024-25 further solidifying Rahane’s impact as a team leader and a captain.
Taking it to social media, Rahane shared an emotional message expressing his gratitude and his reasons for stepping down as Mumbai Captain. He wrote, "Captaining and winning the championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour. With the new domestic season ahead, I believe it is the right time to groom a new leader, and hence, I have decided not to continue in the captaincy role," Rahane said in an Instagram post.
"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," he added.
The veteran batter emphasised that the decision was not due to a decline in form or fitness but as a strategic move aimed at ensuring continuity and growth within the team. By stepping aside, Rahane wants to provide opportunities for emerging players to take on leadership responsibilities, nurturing a new generation of Mumbai cricket talent while contributing as a senior player.

Ajinkya Rahane Future Ahead

Ajinkya Rahane’s career has been marked by resilience, consistency, and leadership. He has represented India, one of the best cricket teams, across formats, marking his international debut in 2011. Over the years, Rahane has been a mainstay in India’s middle order, especially in Test Cricket. His most celebrated moment came during India’s historic 2020-21 Test series win in Australia. Rahane’s last appearance for India in international cricket was during the 2023 series, and although he has been away from the national side for a while, he continues to maintain form and fitness through domestic cricket. In IPL 2025, Rahane captained Kolkata Knight Riders, scoring 390 runs in 13 matches at an average of 35.45 and a strike rate of 147.

While Rahane has stepped down as Mumbai’s captain, there is no confirmation regarding a change in his role with KKR. However, his focus seems to be on balancing leadership responsibilities along with personal performances, ensuring he contributes meaningfully on the field. By stepping aside from the Mumbai team Ranji Trophy captaincy, Ajinkya Rahane has not only made way for the next generation of leaders to nurture but also reaffirmed his commitment to playing the game with dedication and passion.