Lad praises Sarfaraz Khan’s catch as turning point in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy win

In Mumbai on Thursday, Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad said Sarfaraz Khan's athletic catch was the turning point in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy victory over Railways. Lad noted Sarfaraz had earlier dropped a chance but redeemed himself with a stunning effort for the team.

“We have always believed that catches win matches. What Sarfaraz did was outstanding. He is a special fielder. He had dropped a catch before that, but he wanted to do something for the team, and that is what we saw,” Lad said.

Railways had threatened to take the game away with a stubborn partnership between Eshaan Goyal and Zubair Ali, but Mumbai never lost belief. The plan was to slow things down, break the opposition’s momentum and wait for an opening. That approach underpinned the fielding and bowling phases as Mumbai sought to regain control.

“We always felt we were just one wicket away. Sometimes, taking a break and disrupting the momentum is important,” Lad said.

The captain credited the team's fielding standards to hard work during the off-season. “It was hot and humid throughout all four days, but the effort from the boys was special,” he said.

With four consecutive outright wins and 27 points, Mumbai's focus now shifts to white-ball cricket. “We don’t want to be satisfied with what we have done in the first four games. We have a long journey ahead and want to do something special, adding to Mumbai’s legacy this season,” he said.