Ahead of the forthcoming Ranji Trophy season, veteran Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane announced his resignation as captain of Mumbai on Thursday, stating that it is time to develop a new leader.
The 37-year-old, who has scored 14,000 runs in 201 first-class games, will still be a member of the team’s batting lineup.
Mumbai will play their first match of the Ranji season against Jammu and Kashmir on October 15.
“Captaining and winning the championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour,” Rahane wrote on his ‘X’ account.
“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.
“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.
Under his leadership, Mumbai defeated Vidarbha in the final to win the Ranji Trophy in the 2023–24 season.
Additionally, he led the squad to victory over the Rest of India (ROI) team in the Irani Cup 2024–25.
Prior to these red-ball triumphs, he established himself as one of the best leaders in Indian domestic cricket by leading Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy championship in 2022–2023.
