NEW DELHI: Indian cricket continues to keep its fans engaged, with development from the domestic circuit this time as veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane stepped down as Mumbai's captain in domestic cricket on Thursday.

Rahane announced on social media that he was stepping down from the captaincy of Mumbai cricket, stating that he felt it was the right time to groom a new leader.

"Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour. With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it's the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I've decided not to continue in the captaincy role," Rahane wrote on X.

However, Rahane offered relief to his fans by clarifying that he has no plans of retiring and will continue to represent Mumbai in all formats as a batter.

"I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with @MumbaiCricAssoc to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season," he added.

Rahane guided Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title last season, where he finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer. He also led the team to the Ranji Trophy semi-finals, where they lost to Vidarbha by 90 runs.

Rahane ranks second on Mumbai's all-time run-scorers list in first-class cricket, only behind former India opener Wasim Jaffer. In 76 matches, he has amassed 5,932 runs at an impressive average of 52, including 19 centuries - second only to Jaffer's 29.