Lad replaces Shardul as Mumbai captain

Mumbai, Sept 2:

Siddhesh Lad has been appointed captain of Mumbai for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, replacing India all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who led the side across domestic formats last season.

The change marks a significant leadership shift for one of India’s most successful domestic teams ahead of the new Ranji Trophy campaign.

Lad, an experienced Mumbai batter, will now take charge of the side as it begins preparations for another demanding first-class season.

Thakur had taken over the captaincy and led Mumbai across domestic competitions during the previous season. He has now been relieved of the Ranji captaincy as the Mumbai cricket setup looks to manage his workload and make a change in leadership.

The appointment of Lad brings an experienced domestic cricketer into a key leadership position. Having spent years in Mumbai’s competitive cricket system, he is familiar with the demands of Ranji Trophy cricket and the expectations surrounding the state side.

Mumbai are the most successful team in Ranji Trophy history, with 42 titles, and expectations remain high every season. The team’s leadership change will therefore attract considerable attention as it prepares for the 2026-27 campaign.

The decision also comes amid a broader transition in Mumbai cricket. With a number of established players balancing domestic commitments with other forms of cricket, managing workloads has become increasingly important.

Thakur remains an important player for Mumbai, particularly with his all-round ability, but the change allows the team to distribute leadership responsibilities while ensuring that his playing workload is managed.

Lad’s immediate challenge will be to build a settled unit capable of competing for another Ranji Trophy title. His batting experience and familiarity with Mumbai’s domestic structure could prove valuable as he takes on the responsibility of leading the team.

The appointment also comes at a time when Mumbai continue to have a strong pool of established players and emerging talent, making the upcoming Ranji season another closely watched campaign.

For Lad, the captaincy represents a significant opportunity to establish himself not only as an experienced Mumbai batter but also as a leader capable of guiding one of Indian domestic cricket’s powerhouse teams.