There are sacrifices aplenty that a sportsperson make to raise the bar. Mumbai batsman Siddhesh Lad chose probably the hardest one… tasty food. Well aware that this could be a crucial season for him if he has to make it in the big league, Lad followed a strict diet plan that included boiled and oil-free food. So strong was his determination that Lad was not tempted to tuck into the delicacies on offer during his sister's wedding reception a few months ago.


Mumbai's Siddhesh Lad watches the ball sail over the fence at the BCK ground on Saturday. Pic/Atul Kamble

Lad's sacrifices paid rich dividends on Saturday as he slammed a 184-ball 150 (16x4, 7x6), rescuing Mumbai from 52-5 to post 294 in the first innings of their third 2015-16 Ranji Trophy game against Tamil Nadu. His heroics, though, could not help Mumbai surpass Tamil Nadu's 434.