'Yashasvi Jaiswal kicked Ajinkya Rahane's kitbag': Shocking dressing room tension behind Goa shift - Report

A report suggests that Yashasvi Jaiswal kicked Rahane's kitbag during Ranji season.

The abrupt decision by India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to move from Mumbai to Goa made headlines on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Jaiswal sent a letter to the Mumbai Cricket Association stating his desire to move from Mumbai to Goa, and the governing body promptly granted his request.

The left-handed 23-year-old Jaiswal's shocking transfer will allow him to play for Goa starting in the 2025–26 season, where he may be named captain. However, it is unclear how much time he would be able to devote to the state team given the hectic international schedule.

Jaiswal stated in an interview that he is moving to Goa because of fresh prospects. "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," Jaiswal told The Indian Express.

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"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."

Nonetheless, an article published in India Today has made some intriguing assertions about the probable cause of Jaiswal's departure. 'People close to the case' have stated that the young left-handed hitter was not pleased with the 'continuous surveillance' in the Mumbai setup, according to the report.

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According to the report, Jaiswal's relationship with Mumbai First-Class captain Ajinkya Rahane was "untenable." The 'friction' between the two Indian cricket players allegedly began in 2022 after Rahane had sent off the field Jaiswal for sledging during a game.

In the second innings of the match, Jaiswal had scored a double century (265 off 323 balls) with 30 fours and four sixes. However, on the last day of the match, the West Zone captain sent him off the field for severely sledging South Zone batsman Ravi Teja.

There was 'continuous inquiry' regarding Jaiswal's shot selection, according to the article. The 'final straw' occurred when Jaiswal's poor performance in a Mumbai vs. Jammu and Kashmir match led to criticism from the Mumbai team management.

Rahane and Mumbai coach Omkar Salvi reportedly doubted Jaiswal's dedication. 'People close to the scene' reportedly stated that an enraged Jaiswal even kicked Captain Rahane's kitbag.

A PTI story that mentioned Jaiswal's disagreement with a "senior player" also made reference to the same thing. "It is also believed Jaiswal's decision to move to Goa could be due to his displeasure with the Mumbai team management," according to the report by the news agency.

Sources said that in the contest against J&K last season, 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.