An International Star Takes the Helm for Hyderabad's Cricket Campaign

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-09-20

The Hyderabad Cricket Association made a major announcement this week that's got cricket fans talking. They've handed the captaincy for their first two Ranji Trophy matches to none other than India's pace sensation, Mohammed Siraj. It's a move that signals serious intent for the 2026-27 season. Siraj, a veteran of the international stage, will have left-arm medium pacer C V Milind as his vice-captain. It's a leadership duo that blends experience with local knowledge, and it'll be fascinating to see how they guide the team. ### Hyderabad's Opening Fixtures Hyderabad kicks off their campaign with a home match against Tripura from October 11th to 14th. That's followed quickly by a clash with neighboring rival Andhra from October 18th to 21st. Both games are crucial for setting the tone in a competitive Group B, which also features powerhouses like Karnataka, Punjab, and Saurashtra. Every point matters from the get-go. ### The Full Senior Squad Breakdown The selectors have named a 15-member main squad, built around Siraj's leadership. Let's break down who's lining up for Hyderabad: - **Captain:** Mohammed Siraj - **Vice-Captain:** C V Milind The batting lineup looks solid, anchored by the experienced Tanmay Agarwal. He's joined by a mix of promising talent like M. Abhirath Reddy, Rahul Singh, and K. Hima Teja. The wicketkeeping duties will be shared between Rahul Radesh and Sai Pragnay Reddy, offering flexibility. The bowling and all-rounder slots bring depth. The squad includes: - Tanay Thyagarajan - Aniketh Reddy - Clt. Rakshann Readdi - Ajay Dev Goud - Varun Goud - Ruthik Yadav Mende - Sai Vikas Reddy It's a balanced group, designed to handle different match situations. The selection committee didn't stop there, either. They've named seven standby players, including backup wicketkeeper Bhavesh Seth, ensuring they have cover for every position. ### What Siraj Brings to the Table At 32 years old, Mohammed Siraj isn't just a name; he's a proven performer. His recent stint for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final, where he bowled a marathon 41 overs, shows his fitness and willingness to shoulder a heavy load. That kind of international pedigree in a domestic captain is rare. It's not just about his wickets; it's about the standard he sets and the pressure he understands. As one seasoned observer noted, 'Putting an international star in charge of a state team changes the entire dynamic. It raises expectations, but it also lifts everyone's game.' ### The Future is Bright: Under-23 Squad Announced While the senior team prepares, the future is also taking shape. The HCA announced its Under-23 squad for the Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy, captained by P. Aman Rao with Aaron George as his deputy. This young team faces Railways on October 12th and Uttarakhand on October 19th. Their 15-player squad features names like Raghav Pattapu, Wafi Kachchhi, and A. Vignesh Reddy, with eight more on standby. It's a clear pipeline, showing Hyderabad's commitment to developing talent alongside their immediate push for Ranji Trophy success. All in all, it's an exciting time for Hyderabad cricket. With a blend of star power, experienced domestic players, and promising youth, the stage is set for a compelling start to the season. The real test begins in October, and all eyes will be on how this newly configured team performs under its high-profile leader.