Yashasvi Jaiswal moved from Mumbai to Goa ahead of the 2025-26 season amid reports of friction with Ajinkya Rahane.
Indian cricket fans were taken by surprise when young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal announced his departure from Mumbai to join Goa for the upcoming 2025-26 domestic season. The left-hander, a vital member of the Mumbai team in recent years, said his move was driven by the leadership opportunity presented by Goa. However, multiple reports suggest that the decision was influenced by growing tensions with Mumbai’s senior player and captain, Ajinkya Rahane.
The reported discord between Jaiswal and Rahane is believed to have started during the 2022 Duleep Trophy final. In that match, Jaiswal played a stunning knock of 265 runs but was asked to leave the field by Rahane due to excessive sledging. At the time, the incident was seen as minor, but it now appears to have sown the seeds of an uneasy relationship between the two.
Sources indicate that Jaiswal grew increasingly uncomfortable with the scrutiny he faced from Mumbai’s team management. He was often questioned over his shot selection and overall approach. Matters came to a head during the 2025 Ranji Trophy season, especially after Mumbai suffered a surprise loss to Jammu and Kashmir. Jaiswal, who scored 4 and 26 in that match, was reportedly criticised by both Rahane and head coach Omkar Salvi for what they felt was a lack of commitment.
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Following the defeat, reports suggest that a heated discussion broke out in the dressing room, during which Jaiswal allegedly kicked Rahane’s kitbag in anger. While neither Rahane nor Jaiswal has publicly commented on the matter, the alleged outburst is being viewed as a sign of the rising tension between the two players.
The controversy was further fuelled when Mumbai’s chief selector Sanjay Patil made a public statement that seemed directed at Jaiswal. “Mumbai needs players who can perform and make the side win games. The culture of Mumbai cricket has always been about giving your 100%,” he said. Jaiswal reportedly felt singled out by the comment and it played a major role in his decision to switch teams.
Despite the behind-the-scenes friction, Jaiswal kept his official statement graceful and respectful. He acknowledged the role Mumbai had played in shaping his career while expressing excitement about the new opportunity. “It was a very tough decision for me. Whatever I am today is because of Mumbai. The city has made me who I am, and all my life, I will be indebted to the MCA. Goa has thrown me a new opportunity, and it has offered me a leadership role,” Jaiswal told The Indian Express.
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