A chance for Mumbai’s youngsters to prove their mettle: Lad

Mumbai will be without its star players when it takes on Karnataka in the quarterfinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Bengaluru on Monday. However, stand-in captain Siddhesh Lad believes that this is an opportunity for the youngsters to prove their mettle.

After finishing second in Group C, Mumbai has called up all-rounder Atharva Ankolekar and fast bowler Mohit Avasthi for the knockouts, in place of Chinmay Sutar and Sylvester D’Souza.

Lad believes that there’s enough firepower in the team. “Of course, it’s a big loss that the top players won’t be available for the knockouts. But I see this as a big, big opportunity for everyone, including myself. We have built this team over the last two-three years, and except for (Onkar) Tarmale, everyone has been part of the team for a couple of years, waiting for opportunities, and now this is the time,” Lad told The Hindu.

“Mumbai team knows how to perform in the knockouts. This team has played the most number of knockouts and won them, so we have that fighting spirit inbuilt in us. Now, it’s just about clarity and creating an environment where all of us can express ourselves and deliver.”

The seasoned campaigner is looking forward to the new challenge.

“Every player wants to don the India colours someday, and for that to happen, one needs to perform in the knockout games. There will be a lot of pressure for sure, but if you perform under pressure, everyone watches you,” Lad said.

“For players featuring in the IPL, too, a good performance here will boost their confidence, and for those who aren’t in the IPL, these matches are an opportunity to get noticed”.