Yashasvi Jaiswal surprised everyone in the domestic cricket scene earlier this week by deciding to join the Goa team. The former Mumbai batter got a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), allowing him to leave the team and move to Goa for the next season. Now, a report has said that Jaiswal’s decision was mainly because of growing tension between him and Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane, which made him want to leave the team.
What happened between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ajinkya Rahane?
According to India Today, the relationship between Ajinkya Rahane and Yashasvi Jaiswal became tense over time. Jaiswal felt frustrated because he was always being judged within the team. The problems between them started back in 2022 during a Duleep Trophy match. Rahane, who was the West Zone captain, told Jaiswal to leave the field because he was sledging South Zone player Ravi Teja too much. That incident caused a break between them, and their relationship got worse over time.
In that match, Jaiswal scored just 4 runs in the first innings and 26 in the second, as Mumbai were bowled out for 120 and 290. They ended up losing the game by five wickets in a surprising defeat. After the match, Rahane and coach Salvi reportedly questioned Jaiswal’s commitment, which didn’t sit well with him and left him quite upset.
The situation got worse when Mumbai’s chief selector, Sanjay Patil, commented on the loss that made Jaiswal feel like he was being singled out and blamed.
“I’m still upset at the J&K defeat, which I feel was our worst ever. 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,” Patil said.
Jaiswal on Joining Goa: A New Challenge and Leadership Role
Jaiswal’s decision to join Goa surprised many. In an interview with the Indian Express, he said he was looking for a fresh opportunity and a chance to take on a leadership role, which is what drew him to Goa.
“Goa has thrown me a new opportunity, and it has offered me a leadership role. My first goal will be to do well for India, and whenever I’m not on national duty, I will be playing for Goa and try to take them deep into the tournament.” This was an opportunity which came my way, and I just took it. It was a very tough decision for me. Whatever I am today is because of Mumbai. The city has made me who I am, and all my life, I will be indebted to the MCA,” he said.
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