Mohammed Siraj Named Hyderabad Captain for Ranji Trophy 2026-27; Full Squad Announced

Mohammed Siraj has been handed the leadership responsibility for Hyderabad ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season, with the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) confirming him as captain for the campaign.

The HCA's senior selection committee decided on September 11 that Siraj would captain the Hyderabad senior men's side, while C.V. Milind would serve as vice-captain and take charge whenever Siraj is unavailable. The association subsequently confirmed that Siraj is set to lead Hyderabad in their first two Ranji Trophy matches of the new season.

The appointment gives Siraj another opportunity to lead his state side in red-ball cricket. However, his participation will remain dependent on his commitments with the Indian team.

Hyderabad Name 15-Member Squad for First Two Matches

Hyderabad have selected a 15-member squad for their opening fixtures of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season.

The squad combines experienced campaigners such as Tanmay Agarwal and Rahul Singh with several younger players looking to establish themselves in first-class cricket.

Two wicketkeeping options have also been included, with Rahul Radesh and Sai Pragnay Reddy named in the squad.

Hyderabad Ranji Trophy 2026-27 Squad

The squad announcement provides Hyderabad with a clear leadership structure going into the opening phase of the domestic first-class season.

Siraj to Lead Hyderabad Against Tripura

Hyderabad will begin their Ranji Trophy campaign against Tripura from October 11 to 14, 2026.

Their second fixture is scheduled against Andhra from October 18 to 21. The Hyderabad Cricket Association's published schedule confirms both matches as part of the team's opening phase.

The two matches could be particularly important for Hyderabad as the team looks to make a strong start in the Elite Group B campaign.

After the opening two fixtures, Hyderabad are scheduled to face Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Karnataka and Saurashtra during the league phase.

The opening schedule is:

• October 11-14: Hyderabad vs Tripura
• October 18-21: Andhra vs Hyderabad
• October 26-29: Hyderabad vs Punjab
• November 2-5: Chhattisgarh vs Hyderabad
• January 17-20: Hyderabad vs Assam
• January 24-27: Karnataka vs Hyderabad
• February 1-4: Hyderabad vs Saurashtra

Siraj's India Commitments Could Affect Availability

While Siraj has been named Hyderabad's captain, his availability cannot be taken for granted.

The 32-year-old remains part of India's international setup and was included in India's squad for the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies. India's three-match ODI series is scheduled to begin on September 27, meaning the international calendar could overlap with the domestic season.

That makes C.V. Milind's appointment as vice-captain particularly significant. According to the HCA's announcement, Milind will assume the captaincy whenever Siraj is absent or unavailable.

The arrangement gives Hyderabad a ready-made leadership alternative while allowing the team to adapt to Siraj's international commitments.

Siraj Brings Extensive First-Class Experience

Siraj's appointment is also backed by considerable experience in first-class cricket.

According to current player statistics, Siraj has played 94 first-class matches and has taken 321 wickets.

His international record has also developed significantly since his debut. Siraj has taken 144 wickets in 48 Tests, 76 wickets in 50 ODIs and 17 wickets in 17 T20Is for India.

His experience in Test cricket could prove valuable for a Hyderabad side featuring several younger players. Leading a first-class team also requires managing long spells, bowling combinations, batting partnerships and tactical decisions over multiple days, making Siraj's red-ball experience an important part of his new responsibility.

2016-17 Ranji Trophy Was Siraj's Breakthrough Season

Siraj's connection with Hyderabad cricket goes back to the beginning of his rise in professional cricket.

His breakthrough came during the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season, when he emerged as Hyderabad's leading wicket-taker. Siraj claimed 41 wickets in nine matches, finishing third among all bowlers in the tournament.

His performances were particularly impressive because he was still establishing himself at the first-class level.

Siraj's 41 wickets helped Hyderabad reach the Ranji Trophy knockout stage, and his performances attracted wider attention. He subsequently earned opportunities with India A and eventually progressed to international cricket.

The BCCI has also highlighted that Siraj's 41-wicket campaign in 2016-17 played a major role in putting him on the national radar.

A Full-Circle Moment for Siraj

Nearly a decade after his breakthrough Ranji Trophy campaign, Siraj is now returning to the Hyderabad setup as captain.

The fast bowler had already led Hyderabad in their final two Ranji Trophy matches of the previous season, against Mumbai and Chhattisgarh, before being given the leadership role for the new campaign.

His return as captain represents another chapter in a career that began with Hyderabad's domestic circuit before progressing to the IPL and international cricket.

For Hyderabad, the challenge will be to make the most of Siraj's experience while also developing their younger players. His presence can offer the squad an experienced fast-bowling leader, although the team will need to remain prepared for periods when international duty prevents him from playing.

What to Expect From Hyderabad in Ranji Trophy 2026-27

With Siraj as captain and Milind as his deputy, Hyderabad enter the new Ranji Trophy season with an experienced leadership combination.

The team's opening matches against Tripura and Andhra will provide the first opportunity to assess how the new leadership group performs in competitive conditions.

For Siraj, meanwhile, the season offers a chance to reconnect with the domestic competition where his rise began. His availability will remain the key factor, but whenever he is able to take the field, Hyderabad will have an experienced international fast bowler leading the side.

The Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season is scheduled to begin on October 11, with Hyderabad's campaign starting against Tripura.