Mumbai Shocker: Rahane Quits Captaincy, Shardul Thakur Leads; Pujara Out of Ranji 2025

Okay, so big news from the Ranji Trophy 2025 season! Ajinkya Rahane just stepped down as Mumbai’s captain, and Shardul Thakur is now leading the squad for their crucial match against Himachal Pradesh starting November 8, 2025. And get this: Cheteshwar Pujara, that legendary Test specialist, won’t be seen on the Ranji fields at all, having retired from all formats back on August 24, 2025.

Key Takeaways

Ajinkya Rahane resigned as Mumbai Ranji captain on August 21, 2025.
Shardul Thakur is the new Mumbai captain for Ranji Trophy 2025.
Cheteshwar Pujara retired from all Indian cricket formats on August 24, 2025, making him unavailable.
Rahane remains a player, scoring an unbeaten 118 recently against Chhattisgarh.
The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season’s fourth round began November 8, 2025.

Mumbai’s New Leader: Shardul Takes Over

Ajinkya Rahane announced his decision to step down as Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy captain on August 21, 2025. What a move, right? But he’s not gone. Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) confirmed that Shardul Thakur is now the new captain. This came right before their big match against Himachal Pradesh on November 8, 2025. It’s a fresh start for the squad, you know?

Pujara’s Farewell: A Ranji Era Ends

And speaking of big changes, Cheteshwar Pujara, a name synonymous with resilience, retired from all forms of Indian cricket on August 24, 2025. Sportzwiki Hindi and NewsBytes both confirmed it. He wasn’t selected for the England tour, and that was it. So, you won’t see him piling up those runs in the Ranji Trophy this season. It’s truly the end of an era for many fans.

Get the Latest Updates

Be part of our sports community for daily news, expert analysis, and insider info.

Join on Telegram Join on WhatsApp

Expert Analysis

Experts are already weighing in. They say Thakur’s aggressive style could really benefit Mumbai’s leadership. “Shardul brings a different energy,” one analyst noted, suggesting his international experience could be a major boost. But some wonder about the pressure of captaincy on his bowling form. It’s a tough balance.

Rahane’s Bat Still Roars: Form Check

But don’t count Rahane out just yet! Despite giving up the captaincy, he’s still a player. In fact, he was selected for that upcoming Himachal Pradesh game. And you know what? He just hit an unbeaten 118 in a Ranji fixture against Chhattisgarh on October 25, 2025. So yeah, the bat’s still doing the talking. You can’t ignore that kind of form.

Social Media Storm

Fans are buzzing on social media. #RanjiTrophy and #MumbaiCricket are trending like crazy. People are praising Rahane’s commitment, wondering about Shardul’s leadership, and definitely feeling nostalgic about Pujara’s retirement. It’s a mix of excitement for new beginnings and sadness for what’s passed.

Ranji 2025 Heats Up: Early Stars Emerge

The Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season is already underway, and the fourth round began on November 8, 2025. There have been some incredible performances already! Arpit Bhatewara of Meghalaya smashed a double century. Kumar Kushagra from Jharkhand and Dhruv Shorey of Vidarbha also hit centuries. This season is shaping up to be a cracker, full of talent. Who knows what other records will fall?

So, what does all this mean for the Ranji Trophy? With new leadership in Mumbai, a legendary batsman stepping away, and current stars shining brightly, you’re looking at a truly dynamic season. Will Thakur lead Mumbai to glory? Can Rahane keep his fantastic form going? And who else will emerge from the current rounds? Keep an eye out; this tournament always delivers. What do you think about these big changes?

Mumbai Shocker: Rahane Quits Captaincy, Shardul Thakur Leads; Pujara Out of Ranji 2025

Mumbai’s New Leader: Shardul Takes Over