Siddhesh Lad has over 5000 First-Class runs for Mumbai. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

For years, Siddhesh Lad built a reputation as Mumbai cricket’s crisis man — the batter who repeatedly rescued the side in difficult situations and earned an India-A cricket team call-up at the peak of his career. Yet, the leap beyond never materialised.

So when asked about the growing perception that performances in the Indian Premier League matter more than consistent domestic performances, Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy captain did not mince words.

“That’s the harsh reality,” Lad said on Thursday. “I am not saying pick me because I performed, but someone like Auqib Nabi was well deserving. If you perform consistently, win tournaments and still don’t get rewarded, players naturally start thinking differently.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the jersey launch of defending champion MSC Maratha Royals ahead of the T20 Mumbai League, Lad admitted that if he were advising young cricketers today, he would tell them to prioritise the shorter route.

Referring to the debate triggered after Auqib Nabi missed out on India selection despite prolific domestic returns, Lad suggested the current ecosystem has changed the pathway.

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“If a player performs well in T20 Mumbai and breaks into IPL, there is a shortcut to Indian cricket now,” Lad said. “You can play Ranji Trophy for years, but one good IPL season can change everything. So yes, I would advise youngsters to keep that route in mind too.”

Lad admitted such a trend risks devaluing the prestige attached to the Ranji Trophy. “At the start, everyone says perform in Ranji Trophy and you will play for India. But when selections happen, sometimes you see something different,” he said.

Yet, despite acknowledging the changing landscape, Lad remains emotionally attached to red-ball cricket.

“For me, red-ball cricket will always remain the priority,” he said. “The satisfaction you get from batting for a day, grinding through difficult situations and earning respect is different. T20 gives impact. Red-ball cricket gives you satisfaction and respect.”

Published on May 28, 2026