Mumbai Aims for 43rd Ranji Trophy Title with Young Squad
Mumbai's Ambitious Start to the Ranji Trophy Season
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 8: Under the leadership of Captain Siddhesh Lad and Vice-Captain Ayush Mhatre, the Mumbai cricket team is set to kick off their quest for a record-extending 43rd Ranji Trophy title against Chandigarh at the iconic Wankhede Stadium this Sunday.
During a pre-season press conference held by the Mumbai Cricket Association, both Lad and Mhatre discussed their preparations, strategies, and aspirations for the upcoming red-ball season.
Captain Lad expressed the weight of the legacy he carries, highlighting the significance of managing the expectations that come with representing one of the most successful teams in Indian domestic cricket.
“Wearing the Mumbai jersey comes with its own set of pressures due to our illustrious history and the 42 Ranji Trophy titles we have secured. However, we aim to embrace this pressure rather than shy away from it. We are fully aware of the culture and history associated with Mumbai cricket, and we are eager to embark on this season,” Lad stated.
Vice-Captain Mhatre, reflecting on his new role, emphasized the importance of collaboration with senior players. He remarked, “Being appointed as vice-captain is a significant honor for me, especially considering the prestige of the team and the Ranji Trophy's importance to Mumbai cricket. The support from my teammates has been remarkable, and I have always felt included despite my youth. Siddhesh Lad has been incredibly supportive, helping me feel at ease within the squad. I have learned the value of maintaining composure on the field. Observing Mahendra Singh Dhoni's calm demeanor has taught me that while anger may be fleeting, decisions made in anger can lead to mistakes. Staying calm allows for better decision-making, and I strive to embody that approach for both myself and the team,” he added.
The Mumbai squad for the opening match of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 features a mix of seasoned players and promising young talent, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Musheer Khan, all of whom will contribute to the team's pursuit of another title.
Captain Lad brings a wealth of experience to the team, having scored over 5,600 runs in his First-Class career. His role as a middle-order batsman has been crucial in providing stability during challenging moments.
Meanwhile, Vice-Captain Mhatre is quickly making a name for himself in domestic cricket. The 19-year-old opener has accumulated 660 runs in just 13 First-Class matches. After recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him earlier this year, Mhatre's ability to remain composed at the top of the order will be vital for Mumbai's batting lineup.
The Mumbai squad for the first Ranji Trophy match includes: 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.