Mumbai will begin its latest Ranji Trophy campaign against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, carrying the expectations that come with 42 championship titles.
The domestic giants have missed out on the trophy during the last two seasons and will now target a record-extending 43rd crown under new leadership.
Siddhesh Lad will captain Mumbai throughout the season after previously leading the side on several occasions. Ayush Mhatre, meanwhile, will take up the vice-captaincy for the first time.
Lad acknowledged the pressure attached to Mumbai’s rich history but said the squad would embrace those expectations.
Mumbai will travel to Bilaspur for their next Group D fixture against Himachal Pradesh on October 18.
The squad lacks the experience of former captain Ajinkya Rahane, who retired after last season, while selectors have not included Suryakumar Yadav.
All-rounder Shardul Thakur will miss the opening match while recovering from injury and could sit out the Himachal Pradesh fixture.
Lad will instead rely on performers such as Tushar Deshpande, Tanush Kotian, Shams Mulani and Sarfaraz Khan.
Mhatre said his promotion had given him greater responsibility while praising the support he received from senior players.
The 19-year-old revealed that conversations with former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped shape his leadership approach.
“I have learnt the importance of staying calm on the field,” Mhatre said.
Mhatre has scored 660 runs in 13 First-Class matches and returned after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Mumbai’s squad features Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Shams Mulani and other established domestic performers as they begin their pursuit of another Ranji Trophy title.
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