Yashasvi Jaiswal ‘kicked’ Ajinkya Rahane’s kitbag, ‘friction’ reportedly prompted Goa move

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s decision to switch from Mumbai to Goa in domestic cricket reportedly stemmed from a deteriorating relationship with Mumbai’s red-ball captain Ajinkya Rahane.

According to a report by India Today, tensions between the two escalated during the 2025 Ranji Trophy.

The ‘friction’ reportedly came after Mumbai’s shock five-wicket defeat to Jammu and Kashmir in the group stage of the Ranji Trophy. Jaiswal scored 4 and 26 in that match as Mumbai got out for 120 and 290 in their two innings. Following the loss, Rahane and Mumbai coach Omkar Salvi allegedly questioned Jaiswal’s ‘commitment’, which left the young opener visibly upset. The report claimed that, in a fit of anger, Jaiswal even 'kicked' Rahane’s kitbag.

The situation was further aggravated by comments from Mumbai chief selector Sanjay Patil, which Jaiswal reportedly perceived as being directed at him.

“I am still upset at the Jammu and Kashmir defeat, which I feel was our worst ever,” Patil had said. “To accommodate the players in that match, we had to deprive a few talented youngsters. Mumbai needs players who can perform and make the side win games. The players need to realise it is not just about being ‘available’ for that game. The culture of Mumbai cricket has always been about giving your 100 per cent.”

While this incident was described as the ‘final straw’, the rift between Jaiswal and Rahane reportedly dates back to 2022, during the Duleep Trophy final, when the latter asked the former to leave the field for excessive sledging South Zone batter Ravi Teja.

Tensions also flared during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy two seasons ago, when the Mumbai team management questioned Jaiswal’s shot selection – another incident the young cricketer reportedly viewed as unfair targeting.