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Mohammed Siraj has been appointed captain of Hyderabad for the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) announced on Friday. The India fast bowler will lead the side in the upcoming domestic campaign, while Chama Milind has been named vice-captain.
The announcement comes ahead of the new Ranji Trophy season, with the group-stage matches scheduled to begin on October 11. Hyderabad will start its campaign against Tripura.
Mohammed Siraj to Lead Hyderabad in Ranji Trophy 2026-27
The HCA Senior Selection Committee met on Friday to finalise the leadership group for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. Following the meeting, the association confirmed Siraj as captain and Chama Milind as vice-captain.
Siraj's appointment brings valuable international experience to the Hyderabad team. The right-arm fast bowler has represented India in Tests, ODIs and T20Is and has established himself as an important part of the national setup.
His experience at the highest level could prove crucial for Hyderabad, especially as the team looks to build a strong campaign in the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season.
Chama Milind Named Vice-Captain as HCA Confirms Leadership
With Siraj expected to have international commitments during parts of the domestic season, the HCA has also put a clear leadership plan in place.
Chama Milind has been appointed vice-captain and will take charge of Hyderabad whenever Siraj is unavailable for a particular match or matches.
The HCA stated that the Senior Selection Committee reached the decision unanimously.
Mohammed Siraj's Ranji Trophy Record for Hyderabad
Mohammed Siraj has a strong connection with Hyderabad cricket. He made his first-class debut for Hyderabad in the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy season.
The pacer made a major impact during the following campaign. In the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season, Siraj claimed 41 wickets and finished as Hyderabad's highest wicket-taker.
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His impressive performances in domestic cricket helped him earn recognition and eventually break into the Indian team. Since then, he has gone on to represent India across all three formats.
Siraj Picked 41 Wickets in Breakthrough Ranji Trophy Season
Siraj's 2016-17 Ranji Trophy campaign remains an important milestone in his career. His tally of 41 wickets made him Hyderabad's leading wicket-taker that season.
The performances highlighted his ability to consistently trouble batters with pace and movement and helped accelerate his journey towards international cricket.
Now, almost a decade later, Siraj will return to the Hyderabad setup as captain and will be expected to lead the team's bowling attack as well as guide the younger players.
Why Mohammed Siraj May Miss Some Ranji Trophy Matches
Siraj's international commitments could affect his availability during the Ranji Trophy season. As a regular member of India's three-format setup, his schedule may overlap with domestic fixtures.
To ensure Hyderabad have an experienced leader available, the HCA has handed the vice-captaincy to Chama Milind. He will lead the side whenever Siraj is not available.
Chama Milind to Lead Hyderabad in Siraj's Absence
Chama Milind will have an important role to play throughout the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign. The left-arm pacer has domestic cricket experience and will be responsible for leading Hyderabad whenever Siraj misses a game.
The leadership combination of Siraj and Milind gives Hyderabad flexibility and ensures that the team has a designated captain even when its first-choice skipper is unavailable.
Mohammed Siraj's Recent Duleep Trophy Final Performance
The announcement comes shortly after Siraj featured for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final.
The fast bowler had a difficult outing in the title clash. He bowled 41 overs across the two innings but managed to claim only one wicket as South Zone suffered defeat in the final.
After the match, Siraj spoke about his bowling rhythm and revealed that the extended break before the Sri Lanka tour had affected his run-up. He also explained that his body does not respond particularly well after a long period away from competitive cricket.
Siraj Eyes Strong Comeback Ahead of Ranji Trophy 2026-27
With the new domestic season approaching, Siraj will be keen to rediscover his best rhythm and make a strong impact for Hyderabad.
His appointment as captain gives him an additional responsibility, as he will have to lead from the front while helping younger players develop during the tournament.
A strong Ranji Trophy campaign could also provide Siraj with an ideal platform to build momentum for his upcoming international assignments.
Hyderabad vs Tripura: First Ranji Trophy 2026-27 Match
The Ranji Trophy 2026-27 group stage begins on October 11, and Hyderabad will begin its campaign against Tripura.
All eyes will be on Siraj as he takes charge of Hyderabad for the first time as captain. The team will hope his experience and leadership can help them make a positive start to the new Ranji Trophy season.
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