Can’t get into negative mindset

It is never easy for somebody who is coming from his best ever domestic season to sit on the bench for the fourth consecutive season in the Indian Premier League. For Mumbai’s consistent batsman in last two seasons, Siddhesh Lad, nothing changed in the Mumbai Indians camp.

He had to sit out in the dugout during every game in IPL-11 hoping against hope that he will get his long due debut. But that opportunity never came to him and his prolonged wait continues.

“It was frustrating as I had hoped this season I will get to play. I had done well across all formats,” said Lad who emerged Mumbai’s top scorer across all formats during the 2017-18 domestic season.

Such was his proficiency with the bat during the previous season that Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma had acknowledged before the IPL-11 that Lad deserves a chance in playing XI after he was picked by MI again from the auction earlier this year.

“I can’t get into negative mindset, I have to stay positive. I can’t waste my time thinking about things which are beyond my control. I am doing good things on the field,” he said.

Traditionally Mumbai Indians hardly do any major changes throughout the tournament. This season wasn’t the best for Mumbai Indians but their openers Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis did consistently well. Rohit and Ishan Kishan were good in patches and MI’s preference for allrounders like Pandya brothers (Krunal and Hardik) with Kieron Pollard to follow made it hard for specialist batsman like Lad to fit in MI’s plans.

“Rohit and coach Mahela (Jayawadene) kept talking to me to keep me in good frame of mind. I can understand they don’t make many changes in playing XI. Also top order batsmen were doing well and it was tough for them to drop any player. On a positive note, I got to learn a lot of things. It was a great experience of sharing dressing room with top international players and know their work ethics,” he observed.

However, Lad hinted he had enough as a bench warmer now and in future he would like to play for a team in IPL which gives him chance in playing XI. “I love to be part of Mumbai Indians as it is my home team. But now I am at that stage of my career where I have to play and show what I have got in order to realise my dream of playing for India,” he said.

Lad who bowls part-time off-spin admitted he is working on his bowling more to get better chance to play in Twenty20 format. “Bowling helps get more chance in Twenty20 cricket. I am looking forward to bowl regularly especially in limited overs cricket. I don’t focus much on technique when it comes to bowling and my focus remains on keeping things simple,” he said.

Way forward for Mumbai
The 26-year-old just came from a weeklong break and is set to join Mumbai team starting with off-season MCA’s fitness camp for Ranji probables. “I have been doing my things for fitness after the IPL. I just came from week-long break and will resume my regular activity. The Ranji Probables for the camp haven’t been yet announced by we are looking forward to that,” he said.

Lad also confirmed he was called for the meeting with MCA, Secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar, along with five other top Mumbai players to recommend new coach and discuss other issues on Mumbai cricket. The senior cricketers including skipper Aditya Tare were called on the behest of Committee of Administrators (COA). “I couldn’t attend the meeting as I was out, but I had a word with other players,” Lad said.

It is learnt the senior players recommended name of former bowling coach Omkar Salvi as replacement to Sameer Dighe during the meeting. Cricket Improvement Committee headed by Ajit Agarkar though would take final call on appointment of coach. “He (Salvi) knows the team very well and has been bowling coach since four years. He is technically sound and has the experience,” Lad said.

The stylish middle-order batsman hoped for a better season and welcomed Yo-Yo Tests clearance made compulsory for U-23 and Ranji players by MCA from this season.

“Yo-Yo test benchmark currently is 16.1 which is a basic thing. Cricket has transformed and intensity on field is high and as a professional you have to clear this and it will help the team as well.

“Last season was not good. I hope I can help my team to do better this time. Bowlers didn’t do that well. This time MCA had a bowlers camp and I am sure they had some good picks,” he signed off.