India's opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal spoke out on Wednesday to clarify his decision to relocate from Mumbai to Goa for the upcoming 2025/26 domestic season. He acknowledged that, despite this transition, he will always be grateful to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

As reported by the Indian Express, Jaiswal reached out to the MCA to request a No Objection Certificate, allowing him to represent Goa in the forthcoming domestic season. Having lived in Mumbai his entire life, the 23-year-old expressed that this was a challenging decision for him.

"It was an extremely difficult choice. Everything I am today is due to Mumbai. The city has shaped my identity, and I will always owe a debt of gratitude to the MCA," he stated.

Jaiswal elaborated that his final decision was influenced by the leadership role that Goa presented, which he felt he could not decline. He remarked, "Goa has provided me with a new opportunity and a chance to lead. My primary aim will be to perform well for India, and whenever I am not on national duty, I will play for Goa and strive to help them advance in the tournament. This was a significant opportunity that came my way, and I seized it."

Recently, reports indicated that Jaiswal was among the candidates to succeed Rohit Sharma as the captain of the Test team. Thus, the opportunity with Goa could be pivotal for Jaiswal, who has consistently scored runs for India in Test matches.

Jaiswal's last appearance for Mumbai was in a Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir, where he opened the batting with Rohit but scored only 4 and 26 runs. This move comes in light of the BCCI's directive for all contracted Indian players to remain engaged in domestic cricket when not participating in international matches to maintain their selection prospects across formats. He was also expected to play in the semifinal against Vidarbha after being omitted from India's final Champions Trophy squad but chose to withdraw due to an ankle injury.

Jaiswal is not the first player from Mumbai to join Goa for domestic cricket; Siddhesh has also made a similar transition.

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