The once-promising camaraderie between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mumbai’s red-ball captain Ajinkya Rahane has reportedly deteriorated over the years, culminating in a major fallout that played a significant role in Jaiswal’s surprising switch to Goa.
According to a report, tensions came to a head during the 2025 Ranji Trophy, when Jaiswal, frustrated by criticism, allegedly kicked Rahane’s kit bag in anger. The incident occurred after Mumbai’s shock group stage defeat to Jammu and Kashmir.
In that match, Jaiswal managed scores of 4 and 26 as Mumbai collapsed for 120 and 290, eventually losing by five wickets. Following the defeat, both Rahane and coach Omkar Salvi reportedly questioned the young batter’s “commitment,” a remark that left Jaiswal visibly upset. The report also suggested that Mumbai’s chief selector, Sanjay Patil, added to the batter’s sense of being unfairly singled out.
“I’m still upset at the J&K defeat, which I feel was our worst ever,” Patil had said. “To accommodate the India players in that match, we had to deprive a few talented youngsters. Mumbai needs players who can perform and make the side win games, something which was missing in that match. The India players need to realise it’s not just about being ‘available’ for that game. The culture of Mumbai cricket has always been about giving your 100% when you are playing for Mumbai.”
While this clash during the Ranji Trophy may have been the flashpoint, it wasn’t the only instance of friction. Their strained relationship reportedly began in 2022 during the Duleep Trophy final, when Rahane instructed Jaiswal to leave the field for sledging Ravi Teja. Later, Jaiswal was said to have felt isolated again when the Mumbai team management questioned his shot selection during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy two seasons ago.
Jaiswal’s transfer to Goa came as a surprise to many in the domestic cricket circuit. In an interview, he revealed that the move was driven by the desire for a “new opportunity” and the chance to take up a “leadership role” in Goa.
As of now, both players have moved on to the IPL arena, representing different franchises—Jaiswal for the Rajasthan Royals and Rahane for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
