Siddhesh Lad Replaces Shardul Thakur as Mumbai Ranji Captain; Iyer, Suryakumar in White-Ball Leadership Race
Veteran middle-order batter Siddhesh Lad has been appointed Mumbai’s captain for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, replacing all-rounder Shardul Thakur.
For Mumbai’s white-ball domestic campaigns, the captaincy is likely to be decided between Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav, depending on their availability.
Thakur Relieved of Captaincy to Manage Workload
Thakur, 34, has been removed from the Ranji captaincy as the Mumbai team management looks to manage his workload and get the best out of him as a key red-ball bowler.
The all-rounder has also played several important innings with the bat for Mumbai in pressure situations. The decision is aimed at allowing him to focus primarily on his bowling responsibilities in the longer format.
It will be the second successive Ranji Trophy season in which Mumbai will have a new captain. Thakur had taken over from Ajinkya Rahane before the 2025-26 season.
Rahane retired from all forms of cricket in July this year. He had led Mumbai to their record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title in the 2023-24 season after defeating Vidarbha in the final.
Iyer or Suryakumar for White-Ball Captaincy
Mumbai have several strong leadership options for their white-ball campaigns, with both Iyer and Suryakumar in contention.
A senior Mumbai Cricket Association official told PTI that the two players are the options for the white-ball captaincy, but their availability will determine the final decision.
Iyer had earlier taken over as India’s T20I captain from Suryakumar. Before that change, Suryakumar had guided India to their third T20 World Cup title and second consecutive championship in February this year.
Iyer also has recent leadership experience at the domestic level, having captained Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in the 2024-25 season.
Mumbai’s Ranji Campaign Begins on October 11
Under Thakur, Mumbai reached the quarterfinals of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, where they were eliminated by eventual runners-up Karnataka in a home fixture.
The new Ranji Trophy season is scheduled to begin on October 11, with Mumbai opening their campaign against Chandigarh in Elite Group D.
The group also features Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Railways, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand.
Lad Earns Captaincy After Stellar Ranji Season
Lad, 34, has been handed the leadership role after an impressive campaign with the bat last season.
Known for his calm and composed approach under pressure, Lad has also established himself as a consistent performer for Mumbai.
He had moved to Goa for the 2022-23 season before returning to Mumbai after a one-year stint. Following the mandatory one-year cooling-off period in 2023-24, he rejoined Mumbai for the 2024-25 season.
Lad enjoyed a standout 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign, scoring 774 runs in eight matches at an average of 77.40. His tally included five centuries and one half-century.
Mumbai will now hope that Lad can carry his batting form into the new season while providing stable leadership as the team begins its quest for another Ranji Trophy title.
