Ranji Trophy: Hyderabad start campaign with Siraj available and Jaffer named mentor

Hyderabad begin their 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign in Hyderabad on Sunday, with Mohammed Siraj available from the season opener and Wasim Jaffer brought in as the team’s mentor. The side have implemented a string of preparatory measures aimed at improving results before the opening round.

Packed with experienced campaigners, Hyderabad’s squad carries the usual expectation of reaching the knockouts, where stronger opponents have ended their bid in past seasons, but the management says behind-the-scenes changes could extend their stay. The Cricket Operations Committee, led by Ambati Rayudu, and the Hyderabad Cricket Association ran selection matches and a Super League to give players match practice in advance of the tournament.

A fielding and fitness camp was held immediately after the inaugural edition of TG20, instituted in response to what the report described as a shocking number of dropped catches last season. The association’s interventions were designed to address those specific deficiencies before the Ranji fixtures began.

Mohammed Siraj’s availability from the season opener is being viewed as a significant boost to Hyderabad’s attack. Wasim Jaffer’s appointment as mentor has been popular within the group, with players reported to have spent the last few weeks picking the domestic great’s brains ahead of the campaign.

The Gymkhana Ground, Hyderabad’s home venue for the season, has had its pitches adjusted to promote results after a recent spate of draws at home. “We’re now looking at a result-oriented pitch. A lot of homework has been done, and credit should go to HCA. Now it’s up to the players to execute our plans,” Hyderabad head coach Anirudh Singh told The Hindu.

Hyderabad’s first opponents, Tripura, had their pre-season schedule disrupted by rain in Agartala, prompting head coach Satrajit Lahiri to bring his squad to the City of Pearls a week early. The move was made so Tripura’s players could find match rhythm ahead of the opening round.

Hyderabad will face Tripura in the opening round on Sunday, with Hanuma Vihari included to add experience that the management hopes will rub off on the players as the State seeks to shed its Ranji underdog tag.