Yashasvi Jaiswal’s recent decision to leave the Mumbai side and join Goa ahead of the 2025–26 season marks a key turning point in his domestic cricket career. In a formal letter sent to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Tuesday, the left-handed hitter stated his intention to switch, and the request was granted.
The opener is likely to play for Goa whenever he is not on national duty and will be given the captaincy, even if his availability may be limited by his international duties with Team India.
“It was a really difficult choice for me. Mumbai is the reason I am the person I am today. I will always be grateful to the MCA for helping shape who I am. Goa has presented me with a leadership position and a fresh opportunity. My primary objective is to perform well for India. When I’m not on national duty, I’ll play for Goa and aim to lead them to the championship game.
I simply seized this (significant) chance when it presented itself,” Yashasvi Jaiswal told The Indian Express.
A report in India Today, however, offered an alternative account, asserting that “people close to the situation” disclosed the young batter was dissatisfied with the ongoing surveillance he endured in the Mumbai setup. The left-handed cricketer and Mumbai’s first-class skipper, Ajinkya Rahane, reportedly had a tense relationship.
The story claims that issues between the two started in 2022 when the captain of the Mumbai domestic side allegedly dismissed the player, who was born in Uttar Pradesh, for sledging South Zone’s Ravi Teja after he had amassed an incredible 265 from 323 balls. Additionally, Rahane and Mumbai coach Omkar Salvi questioned the opener’s shot selection following a lacklustre performance against Jammu & Kashmir the previous season. The 23-year-old allegedly became so irate that he kicked the right-handed batter’s kitbag.
“Sources claim that during the match against J&K last season, Jaiswal got into a heated argument with a senior team member in the second innings when the latter questioned his choice of shots while Mumbai was fighting to win. Jaiswal responded by criticising the senior’s first-inning stroke, according to the article.
“It is also believed Jaiswal’s decision to move to Goa could be due to his displeasure with the Mumbai team management,” according to a report by PTI.
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