Table of Contents
- Lad’s Century Anchors Mumbai Innings
- Match Context and Srinagar Pitch Report
- Key Partnerships and Batting Resilience
- What’s Next for Mumbai and J&K?
- Sources
Siddhesh Lad’s Century Anchors Mumbai Innings
In a display of grit and maturity, Siddhesh Lad slammed a composed 116 to steer Mumbai out of early trouble on Day One of their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 opener against Jammu & Kashmir in Srinagar. Batting at the picturesque Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, Lad’s ton—his 10th in first-class cricket—proved pivotal as Mumbai posted a commanding 336/5 by stumps.
Facing a spirited J&K bowling attack that included left-arm spinner Parvez Rasool and medium-pacer Umran Malik, Mumbai lost two quick wickets. But Lad, known as Mumbai’s “crisis man,” absorbed pressure brilliantly and stitched together vital partnerships to rebuild the innings.
Match Context and Srinagar Pitch Report
The Ranji Trophy returned to Srinagar after a three-year gap, with the local crowd turning up in numbers to support their home team. The pitch offered early assistance to seamers but flattened out as the day progressed, allowing batsmen to settle in. Spinners came into play post-lunch, though Lad’s footwork and shot selection neutralized their threat.
For J&K, the challenge was compounded by inconsistent line and length. Despite Umran Malik’s pace (clocked at 147 km/h), the lack of support from the other end allowed Mumbai’s middle order to flourish.
Key Partnerships and Batting Resilience
After Mumbai slumped to 42/2, Lad joined forces with Suved Parkar for a 98-run stand that steadied the ship. But it was his 142-run partnership with all-rounder Shams Mulani (79*) that truly shifted momentum. Mulani, batting at No. 6, played the ideal foil—rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries.
Mumbai’s Top Performers – Day 1 vs J&K
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Partnership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siddhesh Lad | 116 | 198 | 142 with Mulani |
| Shams Mulani* | 79 | 132 | 142 with Lad |
| Suved Parkar | 54 | 96 | 98 with Lad |
Lad’s innings featured 14 boundaries and one six, showcasing his ability to dominate without taking undue risks. His dismissal in the final session—caught behind off Rasool—was the only blemish on an otherwise flawless knock.
What’s Next for Mumbai and J&K?
With four wickets still in hand and Mulani well-set at the crease, Mumbai is expected to push past 400 on Day Two. A total in that range would put serious pressure on a J&K batting lineup that has struggled against quality pace in recent seasons.
For Mumbai, the focus remains on building a legacy under new leadership. Captain Ajinkya Rahane is not playing this season, handing the reins to a younger core. Lad’s leadership-by-example could prove crucial in setting the tone for the campaign.
As for J&K, they’ll need early breakthroughs and a disciplined bowling spell to stay competitive. Their best hope lies in exploiting any early moisture on Day Two morning—but with Lad already gone, Mumbai’s lower order looks confident and capable.
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