Ajinkya Rahane Steps Down as Mumbai Ranji Captain, Says "Right Time to Groom a New Leader"

Veteran India batter Ajinkya Rahane has decided to step down as the captain of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team ahead of the 2025–26 domestic season, citing the need to pave the way for a new leader. Rahane, 37, informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) of his decision but confirmed he will continue as a player.

"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 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 MCA to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season."

Rahane led Mumbai to their 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023–24 season, ending a nine-year championship drought. While his red-ball form has been inconsistent in recent seasons—scoring 467 runs in 27 innings with just one century—he has shown impressive form in shorter formats. In the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, playing under Shreyas Iyer, Rahane emerged as the tournament's top scorer with 469 runs and was named Player of the Tournament as Mumbai clinched the title.

Earlier this year, Rahane also captained the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, finishing as their leading run-scorer with 390 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 147.27. Despite his personal form, KKR had a disappointing campaign, finishing eighth on the points table.

Rahane has reiterated his passion for Test cricket. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, he expressed a desire to return to India’s red-ball setup. “I'm really passionate about playing Test cricket. I'm enjoying my cricket at the moment,” he said. “As a player, all I can do is keep playing cricket, keep enjoying the game, and give my best each and every time. The love for the game keeps me going.”

Mumbai are currently participating in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament in Chennai, fielding a young squad led by 18-year-old Ayush Mhatre. Meanwhile, allrounder Shardul Thakur, a vital member of Mumbai’s successful Ranji campaign last season, has been appointed captain of West Zone for the upcoming Duleep Trophy.

Rahane’s departure as captain marks the end of a significant chapter in Mumbai cricket, but his continued presence in the dressing room is expected to benefit the next generation of leaders and players.