Mumbai Eyes Record 43rd Ranji Trophy Title
Captain Siddhesh Lad and Ayush Mhatre lead a young Mumbai side as they aim for a record 43rd Ranji Trophy title starting against Chandigarh.
Mumbai is ready to kick off its domestic season with a clear objective: adding a 43rd trophy to its legendary cabinet. The powerhouse side, led by Siddhesh Lad and vice-captain Ayush Mhatre, begins its Ranji Trophy campaign against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium this Sunday.
As the red-ball season approaches, the Mumbai Cricket Association hosted a pre-season press conference where the leadership duo discussed the weight of expectations and the tactical mindset of a squad that blends seasoned campaigners with explosive young talent.
Embracing the Pressure of Legacy
For Captain Siddhesh Lad, leading Mumbai is as much about managing history as it is about managing the game. With 42 titles already secured, the pressure to maintain excellence is constant.
“Given Mumbai’s rich history, the 42 Ranji Trophy titles we have won and the legacy of players who have represented the team, there will always be pressure when you wear the Mumbai jersey,” Lad remarked. He emphasized that rather than shying away from the high expectations, the squad intends to use that intensity to fuel their performance. “As a unit, we want to embrace that pressure rather than run away from it.”
Lad, who brings over 5,600 First-Class runs to the leadership role, will be tasked with providing stability to a middle order that features some of the most talked-about names in Indian domestic cricket.
Youthful Leadership and the Dhoni Philosophy
The appointment of 19-year-old Ayush Mhatre as vice-captain marks a significant shift toward integrating youth into the decision-making process. Mhatre, an opening batter who has already notched 660 runs in 13 First-Class matches, spoke about the responsibility of his new role and the mentorship he has received.
Interestingly, Mhatre revealed that his approach to on-field temperament has been heavily influenced by the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He highlighted the danger of emotional outbursts during high-stakes matches.
“I have learnt the importance of staying calm on the field. We have always seen how Mahendra Singh Dhoni remains calm, and one of the things I have learnt from him is that anger may last for five minutes, but decisions taken in anger can often be wrong,” Mhatre explained. “Once you calm down, you can think better.”
Having successfully recovered from a hamstring injury that sidelined him earlier this year, Mhatre’s fitness and composure at the top of the order will be vital for Mumbai's momentum.
A Powerhouse Squad
Mumbai's 16-member roster is a formidable mix of proven domestic stars and rising sensations. The squad features heavy hitters and reliable anchors who are expected to dominate the season:
- Star Names: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Musheer Khan.
- Bowling & All-round Depth: Tushar Deshpande, Shams Mulani, and Tanush Kotian.
- Wicket-keeping Options: Aakash Anand and Hardik Tamore.
Mumbai Squad for the opening match vs Chandigarh:
Siddhesh Lad (Captain), Ayush Mhatre (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Divyansh Saxena, Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Suved Parkar, Aakash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Atharva Ankolekar, Tushar Deshpande, Mohit Awasthi, Sylvester D'Souza, and Onkar Tarmale.