Yashasvi Jaiswal Wanted To Leave Mumbai, But Rohit Sharma Said THIS & Everything Changed

Ajinkya Naik, President of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), has revealed that India’s ODI captain Rohit Sharma played a key role in convincing Yashasvi Jaiswal to remain with Mumbai for the upcoming domestic season, despite the young opener’s initial plans to switch to Goa.

Back in April, Jaiswal had formally requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the MCA, expressing his intent to join Goa ahead of the next domestic season. He had stated that he was excited about a leadership role being offered to him by the Goa Cricket Association.

However, by May, Jaiswal had a change of heart and requested the MCA to withdraw his NOC - a decision that was ultimately approved.

Explaining the turnaround, Naik told Mumbai Mirror: “Rohit asked Yashasvi to stay on in Mumbai at this stage of his career. He (Rohit) explained to Yashasvi that there was a lot of pride and prestige in playing for a team like Mumbai, which has won the Ranji Trophy a record 42 times.

“Rohit also told Yashasvi that he must not forget that it was because of Mumbai cricket that he got a platform to show his talent and go on to play for India, and he must be grateful to the city for that. It was here in Mumbai that he started playing cricket on the maidans, and then was picked for all the age group teams of Mumbai.

“After discussing this with Rohit and a few other stalwarts who represented India and Mumbai, Jaiswal sent an email to us requesting us to withdraw his NOC for a shift to Goa. We approved his request.”

Jaiswal, who made his Test debut in 2023, has quickly established himself as one of India’s most promising batters. The left-handed opener has already amassed 2,209 runs in 24 Tests at an impressive average of 50.2, including six centuries and 12 half-centuries.