Mumbai embrace Ranji pressure as Mhatre takes Dhoni's calm counsel into new season

Heavy jersey, heavier expectations

Mumbai walk into every Ranji Trophy season carrying the weight of a storied legacy, and this time their captain says they will lean into it rather than shy away. Ahead of the domestic campaign, skipper Siddesh Lad reflected on what it means to pull on the Mumbai jersey.

"Given Mumbai's rich history, the 42 Ranji Trophy titles we have won and the legacy of players who have represented the team, there will always be pressure when you wear the Mumbai jersey. But as a unit, we want to embrace that pressure rather than run away from it. We understand the history and culture that come with representing Mumbai, and we are looking forward to the season," Lad said.

Mhatre channels Dhoni at CSK

Alongside Lad at the media conference was vice-captain Ayush Mhatre, who revealed the leadership lessons he has absorbed from MS Dhoni during his time with Chennai Super Kings. Mhatre, who led India at the Under-19 World Cup and opens for the Chennai franchise, said the veteran's calm-first philosophy has shaped his own captaincy.

"He always tells me that you should be calm on the field, and some decisions we take in aggressive mode are not the right decisions to take. We will be in the aggressive mode for only five minutes. So stay calm on the field and take decisions in a calm mode. So it will be helpful for you. So it helped me in the World Cup also. So I just try to be calm on the field," the youngster said.

Mumbai open their season against Chandigarh at the Wankhede from October 11, with the side looking to add another chapter to its formidable Ranji Trophy record.