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Ajinkya Rahane Withdraws from Mumbai's Remaining Ranji Trophy Fixtures

Veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has withdrawn from Mumbai's remaining two Ranji Trophy league matches due to personal reasons. This follows his recent decision to step down as Mumbai captain ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season. Under his leadership, Mumbai ended a seven-year drought to win the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy and also secured the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Irani trophies. The Mumbai Cricket Association has appointed India all-rounder Shardul Thakur as the new captain.

Key Points: Ajinkya Rahane Out of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy Matches

  • Rahane unavailable for personal reasons
  • Relinquished Mumbai captaincy pre-season
  • Shardul Thakur appointed new captain
  • Rahane led Mumbai to 2023-24 Ranji title
2 min read

Rahane pulls out of remaining Ranji Trophy matches: Reports

Ajinkya Rahane withdraws from Mumbai's final Ranji Trophy league matches for personal reasons, following his recent captaincy relinquishment.

"I believe it's the right time to groom a new leader. - Ajinkya Rahane"

New Delhi, Jan 17

Veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane will not take part in Mumbai's remaining two Ranji Trophy matches. Mumbai will play against Hyderabad from January 22 to 25, before their final league-phase match against Delhi at the MCA-BKC ground from January 29 to February 1.

Rahane reportedly informed the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) that he won't be taking part in the remainder of the red-ball season due to "personal reasons".

"We will be picking the Mumbai team for their second stage of league game, Rahane won't be taking part as he has informed MCA that he won't be available for the remaining two red ball games," a source was quoted in an Indian Express report.

Ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season, Rahane relinquished the Mumbai captaincy, saying, "I believe it's the right time to groom a new leader." MCA then appointed India all-rounder Shardul Thakur as the new captain of the 42-time Ranji champions.

Under Rahane's captaincy, Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy in the 2023-24 season, ending a seven-year drought for the championship. They also reached the Ranji Trophy semifinals last season, where they lost to Vidharbha by 90 runs. Under his leadership, Mumbai also won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last season, with Rahane as the tournament's highest run-scorer, and clinched the Irani Trophy in 2024-25.

Rahane is second on the all-time run-scorers list for Mumbai in first-class cricket, with 6141 runs in 80 matches at an average of 57.18 between 2007 and 2025, only behind former India opener Wasim Jaffer (8,178 runs from 1997-2015). He has also scored 19 centuries for Mumbai in first-class cricket, second only to Jaffer's 29.

In his domestic career, Rahane has played 205 first-class matches, 192 List A matches, and 284 T20 matches. During this time, he has scored 14,209 runs in 346 first-class innings at an average of 44.96, 6,853 runs in 187 List A innings at an average of 39.84, and 7,242 runs in 267 T20 innings at an average of 29.92.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting timing, right after stepping down as captain. It feels like the end of an era for Mumbai. Shardul Thakur has big shoes to fill. Hope Rahane is doing okay.
A
Aditya G
With all due respect to a great player, this is a bit disappointing for Mumbai's campaign. The team needs its senior pros, especially in the crucial league phase. Hope the "personal reasons" are nothing serious.
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Priya S
His stats are incredible! Over 14,000 first-class runs... what a servant to the game. Maybe he's planning his next move, perhaps focusing on mentoring young players? Wishing him all the best.
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Michael C
Watching him lead Mumbai to the Ranji title was special. He's a class act on and off the field. Personal reasons are personal – the fans should support his decision.
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Kavya N
This is a big opportunity for the youngsters in the Mumbai squad now. Time for someone like Yashasvi or Sarfaraz (if available) to step up and lead the batting. Change is the only constant in sports!

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