Mumbai: Promising India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has decided to continue representing Mumbai in domestic cricket, shelving plans to shift base to Goa after a timely and persuasive intervention by Team India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma and other senior cricketers.
Earlier this year, Jaiswal had formally sought and received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to leave the state team, citing personal reasons and plans to relocate with his family. However, shortly after securing the NOC, he had a change of heart—reportedly after an important conversation with Rohit.
According to a Mumbai Mirror report, Rohit Sharma urged the 23-year-old to stay with Mumbai, reminding him of the state’s immense contribution to his cricketing journey.
“Rohit asked Yashasvi to stay on in Mumbai at this stage of his career,” said MCA President Ajinkya Naik, confirming the senior player’s role in influencing Jaiswal’s decision.
“He explained to Yashasvi that playing for a team like Mumbai, which has a legacy of winning the Ranji Trophy 42 times, comes with pride and responsibility. He also reminded him that Mumbai cricket had given him the platform to showcase his talent and eventually make it to the Indian team.”
The young cricketer had originally written to the MCA in April, stating his intention to shift to Goa for personal reasons, along with his family. The NOC was approved, but after detailed conversations with Rohit and other Mumbai and India stalwarts, Jaiswal reversed his decision and requested the MCA to withdraw the NOC—a request that was granted without hesitation.
Jaiswal’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational. He moved to Mumbai from Uttar Pradesh at the age of 11, chasing a dream of becoming a professional cricketer. He lived in difficult conditions and trained relentlessly on Mumbai’s maidans before catching the selectors’ eye. He rose through the ranks of Mumbai’s age-group cricket and delivered standout performances that earned him a place in India’s squad for the 2020 U-19 World Cup, where he finished as the player of the tournament.
His domestic breakout moment came in 2019, when he struck a double century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, becoming the youngest player to achieve the feat. Since then, he has steadily climbed the ladder, making his international debut and solidifying his position in the Indian Test team.
The decision to stay on with Mumbai not only preserves the continuity in his domestic cricket development but also underscores the importance of legacy and loyalty in the game. Mumbai, known for producing cricketing legends, remains a powerhouse in Indian domestic cricket—and Jaiswal’s continued presence will surely bolster their ambitions in upcoming seasons.
