Ranji Trophy 2018-19: Siddhesh Lad named Mumbai skipper against Maharashtra

Siddhesh Lad has replaced Dhawal Kulkarni, who according to MCA sources, was not available for selection due to an injury

Young batsman Siddhesh Lad has been given a new responsibility ahead of Mumbai’s next match in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. The 26-year-old has been named the skipper of the side for the upcoming game against the arch-rivals Maharashtra, scheduled to begin from December 6 in Pune. He has replaced Dhawal Kulkarni, who according to MCA sources, was not available for selection due to an injury.

The development along with the 15-member squad was announced on the Mumbai Cricket Association's (MCA) website by its Chief Executive Officer C S Naik.

“It's an honour to captain Mumbai and it's a challenge as a captain (in the current situation) and I accept it. It’s a very big responsibility to captain Mumbai," Lad said after grabbing the opportunity to lead Mumbai.

Mumbai, a multiple time Ranji champion, are yet to register a win in this Ranji Trophy season so far as they have drawn two games and suffered an embarrassing nine-wicket loss to Gujarat at their home turf, the Wankhede Stadium.

Among others, Mumbai have included opener Jay Bista, Eknath Kerkar, Surya Kumar Yadav and all-rounder Shivam Dubey in the squad.

Though Armaan Jaffer failed in the last game against Gujarat, the Ajit Agarkar-led MCA selection panel has shown faith in the young batsman and retained him in the squad.

Squad:

 Siddesh Lad (Captain), Aditya Tare, Surya Kumar Yadav, Jay Bista, Shivam Dubey, Eknath Kerkar, Armaan Jaffer, Karsh Kothari, Akash Parkar, Shubham Ranjane, Dhurmil Matkar, Bhupen Lalwani, Shivam Malhorta, Royston Dias and Minad Manjrekar.