Mumbai: Experienced middle-order batter Siddhesh Lad has been named Mumbai's captain for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season, taking over leadership duties from all-rounder Shardul Thakur.

Thakur was relieved of captaincy responsibilities to manage his overall workload. Lad, who previously led the 42-time domestic champions, steps back into the captaincy role for a second consecutive year. A senior Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) official confirmed Lad's appointment.

Thakur had taken over the captaincy from Ajinkya Rahane ahead of the 2025–26 season, guiding Mumbai to a quarterfinal finish.

The 34-year-old Lad made a strong return to the Mumbai squad in the 2024–25 season following a one-year cooling-off period after a brief stint with Goa. He enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season, scoring 774 runs across eight matches at an average of 77.40, featuring five centuries and a half-century.

Mumbai will kick off their Ranji Trophy campaign against Chandigarh when the season begins on October 11. (PTI)