Mohammed Siraj set to lead Hyderabad against Tripura in Ranji opener

Mohammed Siraj-led Hyderabad take on Tripura in their Ranji Trophy season opener at Gymkhana Ground. Tanmay Agarwal anchors the batting line-up, while the hosts will rely on their bowling attack. Tripura welcome back Mandeep Singh and feature Hanuma Vihari

Hyderabad: The focus of avid cricket fans in the twin cities may have already shifted to the India-West Indies T20 International to be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium here on October 14. However, Hyderabad fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who is expected to lead from the front in the first two matches, has serious business to attend to in the Ranji Trophy, with Hyderabad taking on Tripura in their season opener at Gymkhana Ground here on Sunday.

Interestingly, the selectors have already indicated that Milind would take over the captaincy in Siraj’s absence.

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As always, Hyderabad’s batting fortunes could revolve around the consistency of its most reliable opener and southpaw, Tanmay Agarwal, along with seasoned campaigner Rahul Singh, K. Himateja, M. Abhirath Reddy and wicketkeeper Rahul Radesh.

In the bowling department, left-arm spinners Tanay Thyagarajan, who has spearheaded the attack with an impressive strike rate, and Aniketh Reddy are expected to take charge after Siraj and Clt Rakshann Readdi provide the early breakthroughs on a pitch expected to assist bowlers, particularly in the morning, although the weather is now almost summery. It will be interesting to see where all-rounder Ajay Dev Goud fits into the scheme of things.

For Tripura, led by all-rounder Manisankar Murasingh, the return of former Punjab star all-rounder Mandeep Singh, who missed last season, should bolster the batting line-up, which also includes former Hyderabad captain Hanuma Vihari. Tripura’s batters will face a stern test against Hyderabad’s bowling attack.

Tripura’s appointment of former umpire and batter Satrajit Lahiri as head coach also signals its intent to make a positive start to the campaign.

Siraj-led Hyderabad will be keen to focus on the task at hand and ensure a winning start to their campaign.

“The newly laid pitch looks good and should produce a result. Everyone is looking forward to the match. We are well prepared and have played practice games to get into the right frame of mind,” Hyderabad head coach Anirudh Singh told Telangana Today.