The semi-final 1 of the ongoing tournament is all set to be played between Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals and Eagle Thane Strikers at the Wankhede Stadium. Ahead of the all-important match, MSC Maratha Royals' skipper Siddhesh Lad shared his experiences and plans with Mid-Day
Siddhesh Lad (Pic: MSC Maratha Royals)
As the T20 Mumbai League heads into its semi-final stage, fan excitement has reached a fever pitch ahead of the high-stakes clashes.
In the first semi-final, Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals are set to take on Eagle Thane Strikers at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Ahead of the crucial encounter, MSC Maratha Royals skipper Siddhesh Lad opened up to Mid-Day about the team’s journey, preparations, and the key figures behind their successful campaign.
Lad, who has led from the front with his on-field performances, has amassed 153 runs in five matches, including two half-centuries. His form has been instrumental in guiding the Royals into the knockouts.
Reflecting on his captaincy, Lad said, “It feels really good. As a captain, you always want to contribute and help the team win. This has been a collective effort—our team owners have been very supportive, and our preparations have been strong, even during the rain.”
Lad was quick to credit former India cricketer and domestic stalwart Abhishek Nayar for playing a pivotal role in the team’s progress.
“Our coaching staff has put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes. Having Abhishek Nayar as our mentor has made a huge difference. His guidance has helped us stay calm, focused, and composed under pressure,” Lad added.
Ahead of their clash with the Thane Strikers, he was asked if he had any particular strategy against their bowling unit. “They have a solid bowling attack, so we’ll have to be smart. I don’t like focusing on any one bowler. I treat every day and every situation differently. It’s a new day, and the pressure will be on both sides. It’s all about staying positive and responding to the moment,” said Siddhesh, son of Dinesh Lad, who played a crucial role in the initial stages of Rohit Sharma's career.
Thane Strikers’ spearhead, Shashank Attarde, has been in top form. With 10 wickets in five matches, he shares the top spot on the wicket-takers’ list with Pratik Suresh Mishra of North Mumbai Panthers.
Acknowledging Attarde’s threat, Lad said, “No doubt, Shashank has been exceptional this season. He reads the game well and knows how to break partnerships. We’ll need to be mindful of that.”
“But ultimately, it's about how we play to our strengths. We respect his abilities, but we’re focused on our process. Every batsman in our lineup has a clear plan. While we’ll respect good deliveries, T20 is an aggressive format—you can’t overthink.”
Among the teams they've faced, Lad admitted that Triumph Knights Mumbai North East and Bandra Blasters posed the toughest challenges.
“All teams have been competitive, and the quality of the T20 Mumbai League has been fantastic. But against Triumph Knights, they really put us under pressure. Matches like those test you and help the team grow. The game against Bandra Blasters was a wake-up call, but I believe the boys are ready to roar again,” Lad concluded.
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