Veteran Passes Torch
New Delhi
Veteran cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has stepped down as captain of Mumbai ahead of the 2025–26 domestic cricket season. Rahane announced his decision on social media, saying it was the right time to prepare a new leader for the team.
“Captaining and winning trophies with Mumbai has been an absolute honour. With a new season ahead, I believe it’s time to groom a new leader. I’ll remain committed as a player to help Mumbai win more titles,” Rahane wrote.
Rahane enjoyed great success as captain. He led Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy title in 2023–24, ending a seven-year wait. The team also reached the semifinals last season, losing to Vidarbha by 90 runs. Under his leadership, Mumbai also lifted the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where Rahane finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer. Later, he guided the side to win the Irani Trophy in 2024–25.
Statistically, Rahane stands among Mumbai’s greats. He is the second-highest run-scorer for the team in first-class cricket with 5,932 runs in 76 matches at an average of 52. Only Wasim Jaffer, with 8,178 runs, stands above him. Rahane also has 19 centuries for Mumbai, again second to Jaffer’s 29.
Across formats, Rahane has played 201 first-class matches, 192 List A games, and 284 T20s. His record includes 14,000 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 45.16, 6,853 runs in List A at 39.84, and 7,242 runs in T20s at 29.92.