With 42 titles in their kitty, the current generation of Mumbai cricketers have to shoulder the weight of a humongous legacy every time they step onto the field in the Ranji Trophy. Lad will handle the captaincy on a permanent basis for the season for the first time, having led the side sporadically on various occasions, while Mhatre, the Under-19 World Cup-winning captain, is stepping into the vice-captain’s role for the first time. Having gone without a title in the last couple of seasons, the domestic giants are getting ready for their season-opener on Sunday, with captain Siddhesh Lad and his deputy Ayush Mhatre settling into new roles.
“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. But as a unit, we want to embrace that pressure rather than run away from it. We understand the history and culture that come with representing Mumbai, and we are looking forward to the season,” Lad said in a pre-season press conference organised by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Thursday.
The 19-year-old opening batter has scored 660 runs in 13 first-class matches. Because i am a youngster, the support I have received from the team has been excellent, and I have never felt like I was treated differently.
Lad said they will take confidence from the performances of pacer Tushar Deshpande, Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani and Sarfaraz Khan. I have tried to follow that approach, stay composed on the field and make better decisions for myself and the team,” he said. Mhatre, who has played for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), said he has picked up aspects of leadership by observing and speaking to former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
The team is a bit short on experience, with former India captain Ajinkya Rahane announcing his retirement at the end of the previous season and the selectors deciding not to include Suryakumar Yadav. Mumbai do have a couple of team-combination issues to sort out as all-rounder Shardul Thakur is still recovering from an injury and is certain to miss the opening match. He is also doubtful for the second game against Himachal Pradesh. Mulani and Deshpande were part of the India A squad that played Australia A at home, while Sarfaraz turned out for Rest of India in their win over Jammu & Kashmir in the Irani Cup match. “Being named vice-captain of Mumbai is a big responsibility and a very proud moment for me, especially given the stature of the team and what the Ranji Trophy means to Mumbai cricket. Siddhesh Lad has supported me a lot and always made me feel comfortable within the team. “I have also 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. Once you calm down, you can think better. Vice-captain Mhatre continues his rapid rise in domestic cricket.
Having returned from a hamstring injury that ruled him out earlier this year, Mhatre’s composure at the top of the order will be an important asset for Mumbai’s batting unit. Lad and Mhatre will lead a young and energised Mumbai side that begins its campaign against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
