He’s been the bedrock of Mumbai’s batting lineup all season, and on a crucial day against Delhi, Siddhesh Lad delivered yet again. An unbeaten 102—the fifth century of his phenomenal 2025-26 Ranji Trophy campaign—has not only put the 42-time champions in a commanding position but has also thrown his name back into the intense national selection debate [[2]].
At a time when selectors are scrambling for dependable middle-order batsmen, Lad’s relentless run-scoring is impossible to ignore. With over 630 runs already this season at a staggering average of 90.57, he isn’t just scoring runs; he’s making a statement [[5]].
Table of Contents
- The Delhi Masterclass
- A Season of Unmatched Consistency
- The Resilient Comeback Story of Siddhesh Lad
- Why Selectors Can’t Ignore Him Anymore
- Conclusion: The Quiet Force in Indian Cricket
- Sources
The Delhi Masterclass
Facing a spirited Delhi bowling attack that had earlier bundled them out for 221, Mumbai needed a solid start to build a lead. They got more than that. Opening the innings with young Suved Parkar, who contributed a valuable 53, Siddhesh Lad anchored the innings with a blend of patience and authority [[20]].
His unbeaten 102 came off 178 balls, a knock that was as much about mental fortitude as it was about skill. He weathered the early storm, capitalized on loose deliveries, and gradually took control of the match. By the end of the day, Mumbai had surged to 266/5, holding a crucial 45-run lead and with plenty of batting firepower still to come [[14]].
A Season of Unmatched Consistency
This wasn’t a one-off performance. Lad’s form has been a constant theme throughout the season. His journey began with a century (116) against Jammu & Kashmir in Srinagar, followed by an 80 against Chhattisgarh. He then unleashed a career-best 170 against Puducherry before adding another ton in the previous game [[2]].
His current run spree is a testament to his technical proficiency and mental resilience. Here’s a quick look at his incredible stats for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy so far:
- Total Runs: 634+
- Centuries: 5
- Half-Centuries: 1
- Batting Average: 90.57
- Strike Rate: 53.32
These numbers aren’t just good; they’re among the very best in the entire tournament, placing him firmly at the top of the run-getters list [[5]].
The Resilient Comeback Story of Siddhesh Lad
Lad’s current success is even more remarkable given his recent past. A few years ago, he was at a crossroads. After a stint with Goa, where he sought to revive his career away from the intense pressure of the Mumbai dressing room, he returned home with a renewed perspective [[22]].
As a 32-year-old veteran with over a decade of first-class experience, he could have easily settled into a comfortable role. Instead, he chose to fight his way back to the top. His return to the Mumbai camp was marked by a resolute 169, a clear signal that he was here to stay [[25]]. This season is the culmination of that hard work, a powerful comeback narrative that resonates deeply with fans and experts alike.
Why Selectors Can’t Ignore Him Anymore
In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cricket, consistent performers in the domestic circuit often get overlooked for flashier T20 stars. However, Siddhesh Lad’s case is different. He offers something the national team has occasionally lacked: stability and grit in the middle order.
His ability to bat for long periods, wear down bowling attacks, and build substantial innings is a classic Test-match quality. With major tours on the horizon, his form makes him a compelling candidate for a backup or even a starting spot. As one analyst noted, his performances are a “masterclass in old-school batting” in a modern game that sometimes forgets its roots.
For more on India’s domestic stars making waves, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:next-gen-domestic-stars].
Conclusion: The Quiet Force in Indian Cricket
Siddhesh Lad’s fifth century of the season is more than just another entry in the scorebook. It’s a symbol of perseverance, a showcase of elite skill, and a loud reminder to the national selectors. In a world obsessed with instant results, Lad’s patient, accumulative approach is a refreshing and vital asset. Whether or not a national call-up comes his way, his legacy as one of the most reliable batsmen in the history of the Ranji Trophy is already being cemented.
Sources
- [[2]] Times of India: Ranji Trophy: Siddhesh Lad slams fifth ton of the season
- [[5]] Cricbuzz: Ranji Trophy Elite 2025-26 Statistics
- [[14]] ESPNCricinfo: MUM vs DELHI Cricket Scorecard
- [[20]] Cricbuzz: Mumbai vs Delhi Live Scorecard
- [[22]] Sportstar: Siddhesh Lad shows resilience in return to Mumbai after Goa stint
- [[25]] News18: Comeback man Siddhesh Lad determined to help Mumbai retain Ranji Trophy