Dhawal Kulkarni injured, middle-order batsman to lead Mumbai

It seems that things are not going well for Mumbai’s Ranji team. The side lost to Gujarat in their previous match and now have lost their skipper and strike pacer Dhawal Kulkarni due to an injury. Shivam Malhotra has been roped in to replace Kulkarni while middle-order batsman Siddesh Lad will be captaining the team for the encounter against Maharashtra from December 06.

Kulkarni out with ankle injury

Dhawal Kulkarni has injured his right ankle which will take some time to heal. And hence the team management has decided to offer him rest. In his absence, Siddhesh Lad who is one of Mumbai’s crucial batsman in the middle-order will lead the team.

Kulkarni has claimed eight wickets in five innings in this year’s Ranji trophy season so far and his absence will thin Mumbai’s bowling prowess. Mumbai is currently at number six in the the A group with only four points in three games.

An achievement to lead Mumbai’s team: Lad

Siddesh Lad who has been named as the captain for Mumbai’s next match is excited about the new responsibility.

He said that it is a proud feeling to be named the Mumbai captain. He noted that Mumbai has been led by some very big players in the past, so he feels it’s an achievement for him to lead Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.

Lad revealed that he is geared up for the match against Maharashtra because they lost the last game, and are desperate to bounce back.

He admitted that in the absence of many senior players, it will be a challenge for him to lead a bunch of junior, inexperienced, but talented players.

Mumbai’s squad for match against Maharashtra 

The Mumbai squad is as follows- Siddhesh Lad (captain), Aditya Tare (WK), Surya Kumar Yadav, Jay Bista, Shivam Dube, Shivam Malhotra, Eknath Kerkar, Armaan Jaffer, Karsh Kothari, Akash Parkar, Shubham Ranjane, Dhrumil Matkar, Royston Dias, Minad Manjrekar.