“My intention is to create magic for the team”, Mohammed Siraj shows “same hunger and passion” as he leads Hyderabad to victory in Ranji Trophy 2026-27

Hyderabad : Led by pioneer bowler Mohammed Siraj, Hyderabad defeated Tripura by an innings & 40 runs at Gymkhana Ground, Hyderabad to start Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign in style. Siraj showed his similar hunger and passion leading Hyderabad to the victory.

Ten years ago, Mohammed Siraj was a Ranji Trophy breakout star. In his first full season (2016-17), he finished as the third-highest wicket-taker (41 wickets in nine matches at an average of 18.92). On Tuesday, he wrapped up his first win while captaining the side that launched a career that took him to international stage.

Between careers in Hyderabad and India, Siraj says has not changed.

“I still have the same hunger and passion that I had when I made my debut [for Hyderabad]. When I’m replacing someone [in the team], my intention is to create magic for the team,” he declared.

“To win our first match of the season and my first match as a captain is an amazing feeling. [Getting a bonus point] is a big boost for us and we want to carry this forward.”

On a red-soil pitch that didn’t hand pacers an easy ride, he said hard work made the difference. “Red soil wickets are always helpful to fast bowlers. But this wasn’t.”

Spinners, meanwhile, made the most of the surface: 30 wickets fell in total, with tweakers bagging 27 and one being a runout. The remaining two were scalped by Siraj himself.

The 32-year-old also credited Wasim Jaffer, roped in as a mentor to all teams in HCA’s purview, for his role in the team.

“Wasim bhai is always telling batters where and how to score. He made sure we stayed focused. He’s a domestic legend and knows how to play on these wickets.”

Bowling first, Hyderabad bundled Tripura for 134. It was all about left arm spinners. 25 years old left arm orthodox spinner Aniketh Reddy picked up 5 wickets destroying the lower and middle order. Veteran spinner Tanay Thyagarajan also took 3 wickets. It is to be noted that Tripura put a 80 runs opening stand then lost 3 wickets and were at 130-3. However, the left arm spinners storm took place and within 4 runs, they lost 7 wickets ; 130-3 to 134 all out!

Tanmay Agarwal (54) , Ruthik Yadav Mende (61), Rahul Radesh (40), Chama Milind (40) all guided Hyderabad to 294. Sandip Sarkar from Tripura impressed with figures 8/96.

The 2nd innings was all about experienced Tanay Thyagarajan as he picked 6 wickets while Siraj opened his accounts with 2 wickets. Tripura were eventually bundled for 120, facing an innings and 40 runs defeat.

Brief Scorecard –

TRI : 134 & 120

HYD : 294

Result : HYD won by an innings and 40 runs.