India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unexpected move from Mumbai to Goa made headlines on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Jaiswal submitted a request to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), expressing his desire to switch teams, which was promptly approved by the governing body. The 23-year-old left-hander will now represent Goa from the 2025-26 season and is a strong candidate for captaincy. However, with a packed international schedule, it remains uncertain how much time he will be able to dedicate to the state team.

The southpaw batter stated that it was a very tough decision for him, as he owed his success to Mumbai. The star India batter acknowledged that the city had shaped him into the player he was and expressed his lifelong gratitude to the MCA. Jaiswal also mentioned that Goa had presented him with a new opportunity, including a leadership role. His primary focus remained on performing well for India, but whenever he was not on national duty, he would play for Goa and strive to help them progress in the tournament.

"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. 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 make them go deep into the tournament. This was an (important) opportunity which came my way, and I just took it, " Jaiswal told The Indian Express in an interview where he revealed his move to Goa

Also Read: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Shocking Move from Mumbai to Goa: Real Reasons Behind It

Rift between Yashasvi Jaiswal and a senior player in the Mumbai team: Reports

A report by India Today has made intriguing claims about the possible reason behind Yashasvi Jaiswal’s departure from Mumbai. According to sources close to the situation, the young left-hander was reportedly unhappy with the constant scrutiny in the Mumbai setup.

The report further alleged that Jaiswal’s relationship with Mumbai’s First-Class captain, Ajinkya Rahane, had become untenable. The tension between the two is said to have started in 2022 when Rahane sent Jaiswal off the field for excessive sledging during a match. Despite Jaiswal scoring a double century (265 off 323 balls), West Zone skipper Rahane asked him to leave the field on the final day for sledging South Zone batter Ravi Teja.

Additionally, the report claimed that Jaiswal faced constant questioning regarding his shot selection. The breaking point reportedly came when he was criticized by Mumbai’s team management following a poor performance against Jammu and Kashmir. Mumbai coach Omkar Salvi and Rahane allegedly questioned his commitment, which led to an angry Jaiswal kicking Rahane’s kitbag. A separate PTI report also hinted at a rift between Jaiswal and a senior player in the Mumbai team.

 "It is also believed Jaiswal's decision to move to Goa could be due to his displeasure with the Mumbai team management. In the contest against J&K last season, sources said Jaiswal had a rift with a senior member of the side in the second innings after the latter questioned his shot selection as Mumbai were battling to save the game. In reply, Jaiswal shot back at the senior questioning his shot in the first innings," the news agency report said.