Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Siddhesh Lad Says Mumbai Will Embrace Ranji Trophy Pressure
Mumbai is getting ready to play in the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season.
Its captain, Siddhesh Lad, says the team feels proud to carry the expectations that come with its history.
The team has trained since June and played pre-season tournaments.
It has worked especially on fitness and fielding.
Lad wants every player to understand their job and feel supported.
Shardul Thakur will miss the first game as he recovers from an injury.
Lad expects him to return by the second or third game.
India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is also with the team, and Lad says his experience can help younger players.
Mumbai hopes to win, but Lad says the team must focus on working hard one match at a time.
Captain Siddhesh Lad says representing 42-time champions Mumbai brings pressure he considers a privilege.
Mumbai’s preparations for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season began in June and included training camps and pre-season tournaments.
The team has focused on fitness and fielding after identifying those as areas to improve following last season’s knockout-stage setback.
Lad says he wants players to have clear roles and intends to take the competition one match at a time.
Shardul Thakur will miss Mumbai’s opening fixture while recovering from injury; Lad expects him back by the second or third game.
- Who
- Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad, vice-captain Ayush Mhatre and the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team.
- What
- Mumbai is preparing for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, focusing on fitness, fielding and clear player roles.
- When
- Ahead of the 2026-27 season; preparations began in June.
- Where
- Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
- Why
- Mumbai aims to improve on last season’s knockout-stage performance and compete for the Ranji Trophy.
Pressure as a burden
Pressure as a privilege
Expectations of Mumbai’s legacy
Pressure as a burden
The team faces pressure from its history as a 42-time champion and from supporters watching at home.
Pressure as a privilege
Lad says the team should embrace the pressure as a privilege rather than run away from it.
Title ambitions and preparation
Pressure as a burden
Mumbai fell short of maintaining its league-stage momentum in last season’s knockouts, and Lad identified fitness and fielding as areas needing improvement.
Pressure as a privilege
Lad says the team should work hard each day, take one match at a time and trust the process rather than focus too far ahead.
- Team
- Mumbai
- Captain
- Siddhesh Lad
- Ranji Trophy titles
- 42
- Season
- 2026-27
- Preparation began
- June
- Opening-fixture absence
- Shardul Thakur is recovering from injury.
- Expected return
- Lad expects Thakur back by the second or, at most, third game.