In a surprising turn of events earlier this year, Indian Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal had decided to leave the Mumbai domestic cricket team to join Goa, even requesting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). However, the 23-year-old later reversed his decision, choosing to continue representing Mumbai for the 2025-26 domestic season. A recent report by Mumbai Mirror has revealed that India’s ODI captain, Rohit Sharma, played a pivotal role in persuading Jaiswal to stay with Mumbai.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik disclosed that Rohit personally spoke to Jaiswal, advising him against switching teams at this crucial stage of his career. Rohit emphasized the pride and prestige of playing for Mumbai, a team with a record 42 Ranji Trophy titles, and reminded Jaiswal of the city’s significant role in shaping his cricketing journey. “Rohit told Yashasvi that he must not forget that Mumbai cricket provided him the platform to showcase his talent and play for India. He started playing on Mumbai’s maidans and progressed through all the age-group teams,” Naik told Mumbai Mirror.
Jaiswal, originally from Suriyawan, Uttar Pradesh, moved to Mumbai at age 11 to pursue cricket. His decision to seek an NOC in April 2025 to join Goa, where he was offered a leadership role, had shocked the cricketing fraternity. The MCA initially approved his request, but in May, Jaiswal emailed the association to withdraw his NOC application after discussions with Rohit and other Mumbai and India cricket stalwarts. The MCA’s Apex Council approved the withdrawal, ensuring Jaiswal’s continued association with Mumbai.
This development came after Jaiswal’s stellar performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, where he scored 411 runs, including two centuries, in five Tests. During the third day of the Oval Test, where Jaiswal scored a century, Rohit, present at the venue, advised him to “keep playing,” a message Jaiswal later shared with reporters.
Jaiswal’s domestic record with Mumbai includes 863 runs in 10 Ranji Trophy matches at an average of 53.93 and a double century in the 2019 Vijay Hazare Trophy. His decision to stay reinforces his commitment to Mumbai, where he made his first-class debut in 2019 and has since amassed 4,233 runs in 43 first-class matches at an average of 56.44.
Clarification on Goa Captaincy: Contrary to earlier reports, Jaiswal was not confirmed as Goa’s captain, though discussions about a leadership role were a factor in his initial interest. His withdrawal from the move ensures he will continue to play for Mumbai, not Goa, in the upcoming season.
