Siddhesh Lad Prepares for T20 Mumbai League with Strong Roots in Cricket

Growing Up in a Cricketing Family

Siddhesh Lad's upbringing in Mumbai, surrounded by cricket legends, was a normal part of his life, thanks to his father, renowned coach Dinesh Lad. Dinesh has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of Indian cricket stars like Rohit Sharma and Shardul Thakur. As Siddhesh gears up to lead the Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals in the upcoming T20 Mumbai League, he reflects on how these relationships and his close friendships with fellow cricketers have influenced his development both on and off the field.

Strong Bonds with Fellow Cricketers

Siddhesh describes Rohit Sharma as a 'big brother,' noting the respect that comes with their age difference. He values the friendships he has cultivated with contemporaries like Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur, with whom he has shared many experiences in age-group cricket. "We often discuss various topics, from cricket to personal matters. Their positive influence has been significant in my life, and I believe that one's environment plays a crucial role in shaping who they become," he shared.

Guidance from His Father and Domestic Achievements

As the son of a Dronacharya Award-winning coach, Siddhesh has carved out a commendable domestic career, amassing 5,623 runs in first-class cricket. Last season, he captained Mumbai for several matches and achieved the remarkable feat of scoring four consecutive centuries, joining the ranks of legends like Sachin Tendulkar. Despite his father's prominent status in Mumbai cricket, Siddhesh appreciates the freedom he has to make his own choices. "My father encourages humility and reminds me that my achievements are due to cricket. We have open discussions, but he respects my decisions," he explained.

Reflecting on the Ranji Trophy Experience

Mumbai's Ranji Trophy journey ended in disappointment last season with a quarter-final loss to Karnataka. However, Siddhesh believes the team showed strong performance throughout the season, only faltering in critical moments. "Our season was quite dominant, but sometimes luck isn't on your side. Our focus now is on improving as a team for the next season. We made a commendable comeback in the quarter-final, but we missed key moments that could have changed the outcome," he stated.

Looking Ahead to the T20 Mumbai League

Siddhesh is now focused on defending the T20 Mumbai League title with the MSC Maratha Royals as the tournament kicks off on June 1 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. This season promises to showcase both established Indian stars and emerging talent from Mumbai.