MSC Maratha Royals captain and senior Mumbai batter Siddhesh Lad has identified team bonding and role clarity as the twin pillars of the franchise's title defence in the upcoming T20 Mumbai League, scheduled from 1–13 June at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Speaking ahead of the new season, Lad reflected on the formula that delivered the championship last year — and why replicating it will demand even more this time around.

The Winning Blueprint from Last Season

Lad recalled that the Royals entered the 2025 edition as underdogs, losing all five pre-tournament practice games — yet never losing faith. 'The key point was, I think our team had bonded really well last season before the tournament. I remember we played five practice games, and out of five practice games, we lost all five before the tournament. But still, there was a belief in the team, and the bonding was really nice,' he said.

He credited the team's collective contribution rather than any individual star turn. 'We had different players performing in every other game. So we didn't have only one or two players who performed, but we had every other player who performed in each and every game, and that helped us to win as a team,' Lad added. He was himself the second-highest run-getter of the 2025 season, amassing 242 runs in seven games at a strike-rate of 134.44.

Abhishek Nayar's Role in Building the Culture

A significant portion of that cohesion, Lad said, was engineered by former India assistant coach and current Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Abhishek Nayar, who served on the Royals' support staff last season. 'He really helped us. He's a very experienced coach in T20 cricket... Abhishek helped us to create an environment where the young players can come out and perform, and they knew their roles. Everyone was given that clarity,' Lad said.

While Nayar has since moved on to the KKR dugout, Lad said the philosophy endures. The current squad is undergoing match simulations and team bonding sessions designed to recreate that same environment before the first ball is bowled in June.

Defending Champions Face a Tougher Challenge

Lad was candid about the added pressure that comes with the champion tag. 'Last season, going into the tournament, I think we were underdogs, but we won the tournament. We need to defend it this year, as we have a champion tag with us going into the season,' he said.

He noted that rival teams have now had a full season to study the Royals' strengths and weaknesses — a tactical reality that makes the defence significantly harder. 'Everyone knows what you do and what you don't do,' he acknowledged, adding that the squad is using extensive practice games to identify which players can hold their nerve under pressure.

T20 Mumbai League as a Launchpad for Emerging Talent

Beyond the title race, Lad spoke at length about the tournament's broader importance as a pathway for young cricketers. He pointed to multiple players who have used the Mumbai T20 League as a springboard to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Mumbai Ranji Trophy side. 'I think it is the biggest platform for the youngsters, and I am very thankful to MCA that they have taken this initiative,' he said.

Lad also welcomed the inclusion of a women's edition of the league, drawing a direct line to India's ODI World Cup success. 'After winning the ODI World Cup, we have seen the women have made all of India proud. I feel they should be given the same support as the men's cricket because they have equal talent and potential,' he said, adding that such tournaments would motivate the next generation of women cricketers from Mumbai.

What to Watch When the Tournament Begins

With the T20 Mumbai League kicking off on 1 June at Wankhede Stadium, all eyes will be on whether the Royals can carry their collective chemistry into a second consecutive title run. Rain is expected during the tournament window, but organisers have made clear the competition will go ahead regardless, underlining its importance to Mumbai's cricketing ecosystem.