It is challenging for any cricket-related news in India to capture attention during the IPL season. However, the unexpected decision of rising opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to leave Mumbai and join Goa for the upcoming domestic season has sparked considerable discussion among fans. Jaiswal sought a No Objection Certificate from the Mumbai Cricket Association to play for Goa, which has secured a place in the Elite Group for the 2025-26 season.

Jaiswal explained that his decision was influenced by the opportunity to take on a captaincy role with Goa. "Goa has presented me with a new opportunity and a leadership position. My primary objective is to perform well for India, and whenever I am not on national duty, I will represent Goa and aim to lead them deep into the tournament," Jaiswal stated in an interview with The Indian Express.

While this reasoning is understandable, one might question the urgency for captaincy experience. He is not currently in contention for a leadership position within the Indian national team. In the IPL, Jaiswal's chances of captaining the Rajasthan Royals are also limited, as Sanju Samson has been the established leader for an extended period, and when he was unavailable, the captaincy was handed to Riyan Parag.

Typically, players depart from a prestigious team like Mumbai when they are nearing the end of their careers or struggling to secure a regular spot in the playing XI. For Jaiswal, neither of these circumstances applies. So, what is the underlying reason for his decision?

Jaiswal kicked Rahane's kit bag, had a fall out with Mumbai coach and selectors

As reported by India Today, tensions have arisen between Jaiswal and the Mumbai team management, particularly with captain Ajinkya Rahane. The report indicated that following a Ranji Trophy match at the BKC ground, Jaiswal reacted by kicking Rahane's kit after both the coach, Omkar Salvi, and Rahane questioned his commitment, which reportedly infuriated the young opener.

This incident was not the first conflict between Jaiswal and Rahane. During the Duleep Trophy final, Rahane, the captain of the West Zone, notably dismissed Jaiswal for persistently sledging an opposing batter. Despite multiple warnings from the umpire regarding his behavior towards South Zone batter Ravi Teja, Jaiswal continued, prompting Rahane to take action against him.

The report further noted that Jaiswal was frustrated by the ongoing criticism regarding his limited participation with the Mumbai team over the past few years since he became a regular Test opener for India.

Both Jaiswal and India captain Rohit Sharma made themselves available for a crucial Ranji Trophy match against J&K after the BCCI mandated that all centrally contracted Indian players participate in domestic cricket when not engaged in national duties. In that match, Jaiswal was unable to score in either innings, contributing to Mumbai's unexpected loss to J&K.

Although Mumbai advanced to the semi-finals, Jaiswal reportedly departed from the squad and returned home the night before the match against Vidarbha. Following Mumbai's defeat, chief selector Sanjay Patil expressed strong discontent, stating, "Whenever all the internationals were made to play domestic cricket, they merely participated in these games instead of being involved. The legacy of Mumbai cricket – especially regarding the participation of international stars – was not evident and requires rectification," he conveyed to Sportstar.

According to India Today, this statement marked a significant turning point in the already strained relationship between Jaiswal and the Mumbai team management.

Read Also: Money Doesn't Bat for Me: Venkatesh Iyer on IPL Pressure

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