Mohammed Siraj is set to take charge of Hyderabad for the opening two matches of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, with the fast bowler named captain of the side by the Hyderabad Cricket Association.

Siraj, who remains an important part of India’s international setup, will lead Hyderabad at the start of the domestic season. Experienced left-arm pacer CV Milind has been named his deputy and will take over the captaincy if Siraj is unavailable for either match.

The decision gives Hyderabad an experienced international cricketer at the helm as they begin their Ranji Trophy campaign, while Milind provides a ready leadership option within the squad.

Siraj Named Hyderabad Captain

The Hyderabad Cricket Association confirmed that Siraj will captain the team in its first two Ranji Trophy fixtures.

His appointment comes at an interesting stage of his career, with the fast bowler continuing to feature in India’s plans across formats while also returning to domestic cricket when international commitments allow.

Siraj’s presence could provide Hyderabad with experience and leadership, particularly for a squad containing a mixture of established domestic players and younger talent.

CV Milind has been named vice-captain. The Hyderabad Cricket Association has also made it clear that Milind will assume the captaincy if Siraj is absent or unavailable.

That arrangement gives Hyderabad some flexibility, particularly because Siraj’s international commitments could affect his availability later in the domestic season.

Hyderabad’s First Two Matches

Hyderabad will begin their Ranji Trophy campaign against Tripura on October 11. The venue for the opening fixture has not yet been confirmed.

Their second match will be against Andhra in Vizianagaram, beginning on October 18.

The two matches will provide Hyderabad with an early opportunity to assess their squad and establish momentum in the competition.

With Siraj leading the side, attention will naturally be on how much the India fast bowler can contribute with both the ball and his leadership.

His experience at the international level could also be useful for Hyderabad’s younger players, particularly those looking to establish themselves in first-class cricket.

International Commitments Could Affect Siraj

Siraj’s availability for Hyderabad comes against the backdrop of India’s busy international schedule.

The fast bowler has been included in India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against West Indies. The series is scheduled to conclude on October 3 in New Chandigarh.

That means Siraj’s domestic return will follow relatively closely after his international assignment.

India’s next tour is also scheduled to begin later in October, with the New Zealand series starting on October 22. The tour will begin with T20Is.

Siraj last represented India in T20I cricket in February, and his international schedule could therefore remain an important factor in determining his availability for Hyderabad beyond the first two Ranji Trophy games.

For now, however, he is confirmed as Hyderabad’s captain for their opening fixtures.

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Experienced Batters Strengthen the Squad

Hyderabad have named a 15-member squad for the first two matches, featuring several familiar domestic names.

Tanmay Agarwal is among the experienced batters included in the group. His first-class experience will be valuable to a Hyderabad side looking to put together a reliable batting unit.

Rahul Singh is another established name in the squad, while wicketkeepers Rahul Radesh and Sai Pragnay Reddy provide options behind the stumps.

The squad also includes M Abhirath Reddy, K Hima Teja and Varun Goud, giving Hyderabad a mix of experience and emerging talent.

The presence of multiple wicketkeeping options also gives the team flexibility when finalising its playing XI for each match.

Young Players Included in 15-Man Squad

Hyderabad have also included several younger players who will be looking to make an impression during the Ranji Trophy season.

Tanay Thyagarajan, Aniketh Reddy and Ajay Dev Goud are among those named in the squad.

Clt. Rakshann Readdi, Ruthik Yadav Mende and Sai Vikas Reddy are also part of the 15-member group.

The combination suggests that Hyderabad are looking to balance experienced campaigners with players who can develop into important contributors over the course of the domestic season.

For emerging players, sharing a dressing room with an international bowler such as Siraj can provide valuable exposure to high-level cricket and preparation.

CV Milind Provides Leadership Backup

CV Milind’s appointment as vice-captain is another important part of Hyderabad’s plans.

Milind has considerable experience in domestic cricket and has previously taken responsibility in leadership roles. His ability to step in as captain whenever Siraj is unavailable gives Hyderabad continuity.

This could become particularly relevant if Siraj’s international commitments overlap with the Ranji Trophy schedule.

The arrangement also means the team does not need to make a last-minute leadership change if Siraj is called away for national duty.

Hyderabad Squad for First Two Ranji Matches

The Hyderabad Cricket Association has selected the following 15 players for the opening two matches:

Mohammed Siraj (captain), CV Milind (vice-captain), Tanmay Agarwal, M Abhirath Reddy, Rahul Singh, K Hima Teja, Rahul Radesh (wicketkeeper), Sai Pragnay Reddy (wicketkeeper), Varun Goud, Tanay Thyagrajan, Aniketh Reddy, Clt. Rakshann Readdi, Ajay Dev Goud, Ruthik Yadav Mende and Sai Vikas Reddy.

The team has also named six players as standbys: Bhavesh Seth, HK Simha, T Ravi Teja, Shaunak Kulkarni, Mudassar Hussain and Kartikeya Kak, along with A Pruthvi Reddy.

The standby list provides Hyderabad with additional depth should injuries, selection changes or international commitments affect the main squad.

A Busy October for Indian Cricket

The timing of the Ranji Trophy season means Hyderabad’s opening fixtures will take place during a particularly busy period for Indian cricket.

Siraj is expected to finish India’s ODI series against West Indies before joining Hyderabad for the domestic competition. Soon afterwards, India’s New Zealand tour will begin.

That schedule could make workload management an important consideration for the fast bowler.

For Hyderabad, however, having Siraj available for the first two matches is a significant development. His pace, experience and knowledge of international cricket could add another dimension to the team’s campaign.

The opening fixture against Tripura on October 11 will provide the first opportunity to see Siraj lead Hyderabad in the new Ranji Trophy season.

The following match against Andhra in Vizianagaram will then give the side another chance to build on its opening performance.

With a combination of experienced domestic players, promising youngsters and an India international at the helm, Hyderabad will begin their 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign with a squad designed to provide both experience and depth.