Jaiswal shifts to Goa, set to captain the side

In a stunning turn of events on Wednesday (April 2), Yashasvi Jaiswal has switched states in domestic cricket, moving from Mumbai to Goa. The young India opener, regarded as one of the best batters in the country, has even obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Cricket Association.

The speed with which the entire process has happened has taken many in Mumbai and IPL cricket circles by surprise, as Jaiswal secured the NOC in just about an hour. It is understood that the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has offered him captaincy - a position, according to the MCA insiders, that cannot be matched in Mumbai due to the presence of several star players in the Mumbai ranks. Currently, the Mumbai team is led by Ajinkya Rahane (red ball) and Shreyas Iyer (white ball).

"I have had the privilege of representing Mumbai in domestic cricket and have immensely benefited from the opportunities provided by the association. However, after careful consideration of my career aspirations and personal circumstances, I have decided to seek a transfer to Goa to continue my domestic cricket journey," Jaiswal wrote to the MCA.

At the time of writing the email to the MCA, Jaiswal (23) was in Guwahati, preparing to board the flight to Chandigarh, where his IPL team Rajasthan Royals play their next game, against Punjab Kings, on April 5. He is believed to have received the NOC even before he boarded the flight.

"I assure you that this decision is made in good faith and with due respect to the association that has supported my development. I am willing to comply with all necessary formalities as per the BCCI's player transfer regulations and will ensure a smooth transition.

"I kindly request you to process my NOC at the earliest so that I can complete the formalities required to register with Goa Cricket Association. Please let me know if any further steps are needed from my end to facilitate this process," he has stated in his letter.

Before sending the mail, Jaiswal spoke to a few MCA officials and reportedly mentioned that Goa had offered him captaincy. However, some believe his decision was also influenced by dissatisfaction with the Mumbai team management. Notably, Jaiswal was once sent off the field by skipper Ajinkya Rahane during a Ranji Trophy match. Additionally, there are said to be other unreported incidents that may have contributed to his sudden departure.

He is not the first big name to move to Goa from Mumbai. A couple of seasons ago, Arjun Tendulkar shifted to the neighbouring state. Goa is a western state but it comes under South Zone in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) zonal system. Last season, they won the Ranji Plate League but put up below par performances in limited-overs, winning just two games in the Syed Mushtag Ali Tournament and three in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Since making his Mumbai debut in 2019, Jaiswal has played 63 matches across formats - 10 in the Ranji Trophy, 25 in List A one-day games, and 28 in T20s.

In the Ranji Trophy, he has amassed 863 runs at an average of 53.93, including four centuries and two fifties. In domestic one-day cricket, he has scored 1,296 runs at an average of 58.9, with five centuries, including a double hundred. In T20s, Jaiswal has made 648 runs from 26 innings, striking at 136.42. The promising opener has represented India in 19 Tests, one ODI and 23 T20Is.