Ranji season brings change as Rahane passes leadership baton

The upcoming Ranji season will see a major leadership change for Mumbai cricket as veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has stepped down as captain. The 37-year-old, who guided Mumbai to a historic 42nd Ranji Trophy title in 2023-24, announced that he believes it is the right moment to prepare the next generation of leaders for domestic cricket.

In a heartfelt message to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), Rahane said, “Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour. With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader. I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with MCA to help us win more trophies.”

Rahane’s impact on Mumbai before the new Ranji season

Ajinkya Rahane’s tenure as captain brought stability and glory back to Mumbai cricket. Under his leadership, the team broke a nine-year title drought and lifted the Ranji Trophy in the 2023-24 season. His calm style of captaincy and ability to back youngsters played a vital role in restoring Mumbai’s dominance in domestic cricket.

However, Rahane’s individual form in red-ball cricket has been inconsistent over the past two years. Across 27 innings, he scored just 467 runs, managing only one century. Despite that, his presence and experience were seen as invaluable for the squad.

Interestingly, Rahane’s performances in shorter formats have been much stronger. During the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was named Player of the Tournament after scoring 469 runs, helping Mumbai clinch the title. This form in white-ball cricket highlighted that while his Test credentials may be under question, his hunger for runs and his passion for the game remain undiminished.

Ranji season transition: leadership for the future

The decision to step down is not a sign of Rahane moving away from the game but rather his effort to make space for younger talent. With the upcoming Ranji season, Mumbai is focusing on grooming new faces for leadership roles.

Currently, an 18-year-old Ayush Mhatre is leading Mumbai in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament in Chennai, a sign of the team’s commitment to building a strong future. Alongside him, experienced allrounder Shardul Thakur has been given additional leadership responsibility, having been named West Zone captain for the 2025-26 season.

Rahane himself has made it clear that he is not stepping back from cricket. On the contrary, he has often expressed his desire to continue playing red-ball cricket and even return to the Test side. Earlier this year, he told former cricketers Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton in an interview that he still carried his trainers and cricket gear even while on vacation to stay prepared for upcoming competitions.

Ranji season outlook with Rahane’s continued presence

Even though he will not be captain, Rahane’s presence in the dressing room will remain vital for Mumbai. His experience of playing over a decade of international cricket, including memorable innings in Test matches abroad, makes him a mentor figure for the youngsters. His hunger for the game, combined with his calm mindset, could be crucial for Mumbai as they aim for yet another strong Ranji season.

Rahane’s recent stint with Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2025 IPL also showed that he still has the ability to perform at the highest level. He was their top scorer with 390 runs at a strike rate of 147.27, proving he can adapt his game across formats. Although KKR struggled as a team, Rahane’s consistency stood out. Also Read: India World Cup is Missed: Shafali Verma Left Out of India’s Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 Squad

With the domestic season approaching, Mumbai’s strategy is clear: balance the experience of senior players like Rahane with the energy of younger talents. If the transition is successful, Mumbai could continue its dominance and possibly add another Ranji title to its record tally.

Conclusion

The upcoming Ranji season marks a fresh chapter for Mumbai cricket. While Ajinkya Rahane has stepped aside from captaincy, his role as a senior player and mentor remains intact. His leadership legacy, passion for the game, and commitment to Mumbai cricket ensure that his contribution will continue to shape the team’s journey. As the season begins, Mumbai’s blend of experience and youth will be closely watched, with Rahane’s presence still a source of strength and inspiration.