Siddhesh Lad: Son of Rohit Sharma’s coach, aims to play crucial knocks for Mumbai | Cricket News

Srinagar: When Siddhesh Lad returned to Mumbai set-up last campaign, the brief to him was clear: “You will only get an opportunity when those playing for India aren’t available.” The 33-year-old had no issues with it. After all, he could only thank his stars for walking back into the Mumbai dressing room which is known to phase out veterans to make way for youngsters. Lad played for Goa in the 2022-23 but took a cooling break, and scored heavily in Mumbai’s local tournaments, in 2023-24 to be eligible for Mumbai before making it to the squad last season. It was a successful comeback as he finished as Mumbai’s top-scorer with 602 runs in seven games. He started batting at No. 5 and 6 before being pushed up to No. 3. Before Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy opener at the Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium against Jammu & Kashmir, there was no clarity on whether the veteran will get a chance, but it didn’t matter to him. For three days he followed his routine religiously—focusing on fitness and spending long hours in the nets. On Wednesday, given an opportunity, he didn’t disappoint and started from where he had left last season, scoring a fighting 156-ball 116 to put Mumbai in drivers’ seat, repaying the faith shown in his ability by the selectors. Knowing what he brings to the table, the right-hand batter was asked to play at No. 4, termed as one of the crucial spots in world cricket, and he lauds the clearly defined role the coach Omkar Salvi, and captain Shardul Thakur have given to him. “I know what my role is in the team. I must stabilize the innings whenever I go in and depending on the situation, like today, spend some time on the wicket. There is a clear message from the coach and captain on what I must do, and that is what I’m trying,” said Lad, who was a tad disappointed after he couldn’t see off the day. He added: “Because I scored in the last season, I wanted to carry that confidence into this season. I’ll thank my support staff, especially our head coach Omkar Salvi, and dedicate this 100 to them because for the last three-four months they’ve worked hard on my fitness and every aspect of my game.” Despite scoring all the runs last season, he may have not played the opening match but as luck had it, Shivam Dube got injured, and Lad was drafted in.

“I’m okay with that,” Lad said of the eventuality of him sitting out. He added: “I’m 33 now, and if some youngster is playing in place of me, I’m very happy to let them have that opportunity, and whenever the team needs me, I’m there for them.” At the fag end of his career, his focus is on making vital contributions to the team’s cause rather than “individual honours”.“I want to do something for the team because my aim right now is not to score 1000 runs but I play crucial knocks that will help us win the Ranji Trophy. That will give me more satisfaction.”