Siddhesh Lad's Remarkable Ranji Trophy Resurgence: Five Centuries and 700+ Runs This Season
At 33 years of age, Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad is experiencing the dream season he has long aspired to since his debut over a decade ago. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy, Lad has notched his fifth century of the season, an unbeaten 102 against Delhi, showcasing his exceptional form and leadership. This innings, crafted from 178 balls with 12 fours, helped Mumbai secure a lead of 45 runs, with the team ending the day at 266 for 5.
From Crisis Man to Captain: Lad's Journey to the Top
Once viewed primarily as a crisis player, Siddhesh Lad has often been under scrutiny, partly due to his father's coaching legacy, which has produced stars like Rohit Sharma and Shardul Thakur. Despite his evident talent, Lad initially batted lower in the order, a position that limited his opportunities to shine. Friends and teammates consistently advised him that to earn a spot in the Indian national team, he needed to aim for a higher batting position, as selectors typically favor top-four batsmen who score prolifically.
With established players like Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav occupying the top slots for Mumbai, Lad struggled to break into the upper order. His comfort in batting late did not translate into significant career progression, and even his stint with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL yielded only one game. Determined not to be relegated to the status of just another domestic cricketer, Lad sought to redefine his career trajectory.
Overcoming Challenges: A Move to Goa and a Cooling-Off Period
In his late twenties, Lad attempted to revitalize his career by moving to Goa, but the lack of stability in the new state prompted his return to Mumbai. This transition required him to serve a mandatory cooling-off period of one season, a rule for players returning to Mumbai after representing another state. Despite this setback, Mumbai selectors reinstated him last season, setting the stage for his current success.
Reflecting on his achievements, Lad expressed gratitude, stating, "I feel blessed; I never thought I would score these five hundreds at this age, especially after coming from a different state. My father always believed in me, and I owe immense thanks to MCA president Ajinkya Naik for his unwavering support." This season marks the first time Lad has crossed the 700-run milestone in domestic cricket, a testament to his perseverance and skill.
Stabilizing Mumbai's Middle Order and Key Partnerships
Lad's presence in the middle order has been instrumental in stabilizing Mumbai's batting lineup this season. His partnership with Suved Parkar, who remained unbeaten on 53, added 130 runs for the sixth wicket, rescuing Mumbai from a precarious position of 136 for 5. Earlier in the innings, Musheer Khan contributed a solid 57, while Sarfaraz Khan showed promise with a few boundaries before falling to an edge off pacer Money Grewal.
Mumbai's innings began shakily, losing opener Akhil Herwadkar for 12 and overnight batsman Tushar Deshpande early. However, Lad's composed century, combined with Parkar's support, ensured the team built a substantial lead over Delhi's first-innings total of 221.
Brief Scores and Season Highlights
Brief Scores: Delhi 221 vs Mumbai 266 for 5 (Musheer Khan 57, Siddhesh Lad 102 not out, Suved Parkar 53 not out) – Mumbai lead by 45 runs.
Siddhesh Lad's performance this Ranji Trophy season highlights his resilience and talent, proving that age is no barrier to achieving cricketing excellence. With five centuries and over 700 runs, he has not only cemented his place as Mumbai's captain but also reignited hopes for a potential national call-up, demonstrating that dedication and hard work can lead to a sweet spot in one's career.
