Shardul Thakur to become Mumbai captain after Ajinkya Rahane's resignation - Reports

Shardul Thakur is the skipper of West Zone in Duleep Trophy 2025.

Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur will lead Mumbai in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, after Ajinkya Rahane stepped down as captain of the side, as per the reports in Indian Express. On Thursday (August 21), Rahane revealed his decision to quit as Mumbai captain on X (formerly Twitter).

Rahane said that he will not lead Mumbai but will continue to be part of the team as a player. Rahane had a successful stint as Mumbai captain. Under his captaincy, Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy in the 2023-24 season, ending a seven-year drought for the title.

Mumbai also won the Irani Trophy, under Rahane, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last season, where he was the leading run-getter. After Wasim Jaffer, Rahane is the all-time highest run-scorer for Mumbai in first-class cricket. The right-handed batsman has scored 5932 runs in 76 matches at an average of 52.0, including 19 centuries.

Shardul Thakur to lead West Zone in Duleep Trophy 2025

Notably, Thakur has been a crucial member of Mumbai in domestic cricket for the last few years, contributing with both bat and ball. He was also appointed as the captain of West Zone in Duleep Trophy 2025. The tournament will commence on August 28 and witness a battle among six teams.

In the last Ranji Trophy season, Thakur scored 505 runs and picked 35 wickets for Mumbai in nine matches. He also slammed one century and four half-centuries in the tournament. Mumbai reached the semi-finals of the tournament, where they lost to Vidarbha, who won the trophy.

Meanwhile, Thakur was last seen in action during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, where he failed to make a mark with his performance. Thakur scored 46 runs and picked two wickets across two tests. He was also dropped due to his dismal performance.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.