Mumbai to Goa: Yashasvi Jaiswal opens up on reasons behind switch

Dubai: At 10 years old, Yashasvi Jaiswal arrived in Mumbai with a dream — to play for India. He climbed the ranks, made his Test debut, and became one of India’s most promising openers. But now, at 23, he’s making another bold move: leaving Mumbai to play for Goa in domestic cricket.

After five years with the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team, Jaiswal’s decision to switch states has sent ripples through Indian cricket.

“It was a very tough decision for me. Whatever I am today is because of Mumbai. The city has made me who I am, and all my life, I will be indebted to the MCA,” Jaiswal told The Indian Express.

“Goa has thrown me a new opportunity, and it has offered me a leadership role. My first goal will be to do well for India, and whenever I’m not on national duty, I will be playing for Goa and trying to take them deep into the tournament. This was an (important) opportunity that came my way, and I just took it.”

Goa recently earned promotion to the Ranji Trophy Elite stage after clinching the Plate Division title earlier this year, and Jaiswal is expected to play a key role in their domestic campaign whenever he is available.

Currently representing Rajasthan Royals in the 2025 Indian Premier League, Jaiswal has scored 34 runs in three matches so far this season. He has also received a No Objection Certificate from the Mumbai Cricket Association, clearing the way for his transition. Previously, players like Siddhesh Lad and Arjun Tendulkar also made similar moves to Goa for domestic cricket.

“Yes, it is surprising. He must have thought of something to make such a move. He has requested us to relieve him, and we have accepted his request,” a senior MCA official told PTI on Wednesday.

“He wants to play for us, and we welcome him. He will be playing for us from the next season,” Goa Cricket Association secretary Shamba Desai told PTI.

Jaiswal has an impressive domestic record, amassing 1,526 runs across 33 List A games at an average of 52.62, including a double hundred. His performances earned him an international debut in 2023, where he made an immediate impact with 171 runs in his maiden Test against the West Indies. At just 23, Jaiswal has already played T20Is and ODIs for India, while also scoring 393 runs in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia.

As he embarks on this new domestic journey, Jaiswal remains focused on his international aspirations while embracing a leadership role in Goa’s evolving cricketing landscape.