Hyderabad revamps pitches and prep to break its Ranji knockout ceiling

Mohammed Siraj’s availability from the get-go should bode well for Hyderabad, as does Wasif Jaffer’s addition as mentor – a popular appointment among the players who have spent the last few weeks picking the domestic giant’s brains. | Photo Credit: K.V.S. Giri

Not much stands out at first glance in Hyderabad’s squad for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign. Packed with seasoned campaigners, the squad bolsters the usual expectation from this side to make the knockouts, where stronger opponents usually call curtains on its bid. 

However, this time, there have been quite a few behind-the-scenes changes that might help prolong this squad’s life expectancy in the tournament, and those go right down to the soil, literally. 

The Cricket Operations Committee, led by Ambati Rayudu, and the Hyderabad Cricket Association conducted a slew of selection matches and a Super League to help players find their rhythm long before the first ball is bowled.

The process began as soon as the inaugural edition of TG20 – Telangana’s domestic franchise T20 competition – wrapped up, with a fitness and fielding camp. The latter was understandably needed, given the shocking number of catches the team dropped last season.

Mohammed Siraj’s availability from the get-go should bode well for Hyderabad, as does Wasif Jaffer’s addition as mentor – a popular appointment among the players who have spent the last few weeks picking the domestic giant’s brains.

The pitches at the Gymkhana Ground, the home venue for Hyderabad this season, have also been given a new lease of life. 

“There have been a lot of draws at home in the recent past. So work has gone into changing the pitches. We are 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 Sportstar.

Hyderabad’s first opponent, Tripura, had its pre-season plans slightly disrupted by rain in Agartala. That prompted head coach Satrajit Lahiri to bring the team to the City of Pearls a week early, so players can find rhythm by the time action gets underway in the opening round on Sunday.

Though widely billed as Ranji underdogs, Tripura, Satrajit believes, will shed that tag soon.

“I have played for this State before. I have been with this team for a long time now. Last year they played very well against Bengal, so their confidence level is on the up. And look, we do not bring in outsiders for the sake of it. We brought in someone like (Hanuma) Vihari because we know he brings the experience that will help us in matches, and it will also rub off on the players. In a few years, we won’t be underdogs. But it will take some time,” Satrajit told this publication.

The 55-year-old also brushed aside the notion that his players would pay special attention to facing someone of Siraj’s caliber. “It’s a battle between a bat and a ball. It’s not about the person. If he bowls well, he will win. If we bat well, we will win. Right?”