The news of Yashasvi Jaiswal moving state teams from Mumbai to Goa stunned everyone. Jaiswal obtained a NOC from the Mumbai Cricket Association to represent Goa, which has gained the privilege to compete in the Elite Group beginning with the 25-26 season.
Jaiswal said the move was because Goa offered him captaincy.
"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," Jaiswal told The Indian Express.
However, many have questioned the motive behind Jaiswal’s move to Goa and even the captaincy angle hasn’t convinced everyone. He is not in line for captaincy in either formats for India and even in IPL, Sanju Samson has a firm grip on Rajasthan Royals captaincy and in his absence, Riyan Parag led the side.
But, now a report has revealed the real reason for Yashasvi Jaiswal moving teams from Mumbai to Goa. According to an India Today story, Jaiswal's relationship with Mumbai team management, particularly captain Ajinkya Rahane, was strained.
According to the report, Jaiswal kicked captain Rahane's gear back after a Ranji Trophy encounter against J&K at the BKC venue. The incident occurred after "Mumbai coach Omkar Salvi and Rahane questioned Jaiswal's commitment, and it left the young opener fuming."
Jaiswal had been at a crossroads with Rahane before. In the Duleep Trophy final between the South and West Zones, WZ captain Rahane famously dismissed Jaiswal for repeatedly sledging an opposing batter.
Jaiswal was sledging South Zone hitter Ravi Teja, and despite multiple umpire warnings, he refused to stop. Rahane believed he was over the line and issued the marching orders to his youthful teammate.
According to the article, Jaiswal was dissatisfied with the relentless scrutiny he had received for his scant appearances for Mumbai in the last several years since being India's regular Test opener.
Jaiswal and India captain Rohit Sharma made themselves available for a crucial Ranji Trophy group match against Jammu and Kashmir after the BCCI made it essential for all centrally contracted Indian players to play domestic cricket when not on national duty. Jaiswal failed to score in either innings of the match, and Mumbai lost to J&K.
Although Mumbai advanced to the semi-finals, Jaiswal reportedly abandoned the squad and returned home on the eve of the match versus Vidarbha. After Mumbai lost, chief selector Sanjay Patil gave a strong reaction.
"Whenever all the internationals were made to play domestic cricket, they merely participated in these games instead of being involved. The legacy of Mumbai cricket – especially when it comes to international stars’ involvement in Mumbai cricket – was not at all seen, and it needs to be fixed," he told Sportstar.
According to India Today, the statement was the final straw in the strained relationship between the Jaiswal and Mumbai squad management. And it was then, Jaiswal requested MCA for NOC to move to Goa.
