Siddhesh Lad appointed Mumbai captain for forthcoming Ranji Trophy season
Siddhesh Lad was appointed Mumbai's captain for the forthcoming Ranji Trophy season, he told The Hindu on Tuesday. The announcement arrives as the senior batter works his way back from a shoulder injury and shortly after the birth of his son, Shiva.
Lad replaces Shardul Thakur as Mumbai captain, a change chief selector Rajesh Pawar said is intended to reduce Shardul’s workload while retaining him as an integral all-rounder in the side. Lad was Mumbai’s highest run-scorer in last season’s Ranji Trophy and has previously served as stand-in captain in six matches. Published - September 01, 2026 07:23 pm IST
Lad described the appointment as a personal and family milestone. “It’s a proud moment for me and the family. Having soaked in the Mumbai cricket culture and ethos, we all know how crucial the First Class tradition is. I have led Mumbai before, but to be appointed as the full season’s captain is a matter of pride,” Lad told The Hindu on Tuesday.
On the leadership challenge within a side full of experienced players, Lad said his role would be more about reminders than strict direction. “A team like Mumbai — with so many senior players, be it internationals or India-A or IPL regulars — doesn’t really need to be captained. One just has to keep on reminding them about game situations at times. I just hope that we can cross the winning barrier this time around, something that the team fell short of in the last two seasons.”
The relationship between Lad and Shardul was highlighted as a factor easing the transition, with the article noting that Shardul is a protege of Lad’s father, Dinesh, and has been an important sounding board for Siddhesh. “Shardul has always been and will remain an integral part and a match-winner in this team. He is a leader by example and has always been my sounding board,” Lad said. “Our bond goes way beyond the designations, and I am sure he will continue to be a bedrock of the team.”
Lad is currently focused on his recovery from a shoulder dislocation sustained during the T20 Mumbai final in June, with rehabilitation reported to be progressing well. “My rehab is well on course. I hope to be ready to go well in time before the season-opener,” he said, and his stated aim is to be fit ahead of Mumbai’s opener against Chandigarh.
Mumbai’s immediate next fixture is the Ranji Trophy season-opener against Chandigarh, and Lad has indicated he wants to be available for that match pending the completion of his rehabilitation.
