Siddhesh Lad will ‘respect’ decision to omit Suryakumar Yadav from Mumbai Ranji squad

Suryakumar Yadav played the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai last year. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad distanced himself from the decision to leave out Suryakumar Yadav from the team’s opening fixture against Chandigarh, making it clear that the call rested with the selectors and team management.

A couple of days ago, the Mumbai selectors, led by chairman Rajesh Powar, left Suryakumar out of the squad, citing the India T20I captain’s lack of red-ball cricket over the past year-and-a-half.

Lad, who will lead Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy this season, was careful not to second-guess the decision. While acknowledging Suryakumar’s contribution to Mumbai cricket over the years, he stressed that his responsibility was to work with the squad selected for the season.

“Surya has been a fantastic player for Mumbai cricket. He’s done a lot for Mumbai cricket over the years and also for the Indian team. He’s a World Cup-winning captain. So, in our group, there’s tremendous respect for Surya,” Lad said.

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“But also, whatever decisions have been taken by the management and the selectors, whatever they feel is right at this moment, as a captain, I want to respect it.”

Lad also indicated that the door would remain open for players who make a strong case for themselves, while making it clear that selection was not his domain. “Whoever is in contention and preparing well for this season, they will always be in the conversation. But I don’t want to go beyond the selectors. It’s their job, and my job with the 15-member squad is to work with them…”

Suryakumar, whose last first-class appearance was in February 2025, is expected to feature in the President’s Cup game on Sunday.