Mohd Siraj confident ahead of Hyderabad vs Mumbai Ranji clash

Mohd Siraj, captaining Hyderabad against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, said the green wicket would challenge both batters and bowlers. He praised young talent Aman Rao, while Mumbai’s stand-in skipper Siddesh Lad stressed preparation and a competitive pitch

Hyderabad: India fast bowler Mohd Siraj, who will lead Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here from Thursday, said the wicket looked green and he hoped for an early finish to the game.

“It is a challenging wicket for sure. Accuracy is the key and consistent line and length should help the bowlers a lot. It will be a challenge for the batters too,” Siraj said on the eve of the match after the training session on Wednesday.

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“We will miss seniors like Tanmay Agarwal (opener) and Tanay Thyagarajan (left-arm spinner) for all their experience and class. But at the same time, that means huge opportunities for the young talent. On paper Hyderabad is a very good squad. My message to the players is simple — do your best, enjoy the game and don’t think too much about the result,” he said.

On captaining Hyderabad, Siraj said it was a huge responsibility and he was feeling good about it. “I will take the challenges and responsibilities that come with captaincy and will definitely enjoy it,” he said.

Reflecting on Mumbai, Siraj said it had always been a strong side and it mattered for young talent to do well against such a team.

Siraj also praised exciting talent P Aman Rao. “He is a very good talent and after a long time Hyderabad has seen such a gifted cricketer, who not only hits sixes effortlessly but plays cricketing shots to perfection and has the desired temperament,” the Hyderabad captain said.

Mumbai stand-by captain Siddesh Lad said his team’s focus would be to stay on top and play to its strengths.

“There has been a long break in the Ranji campaign. But the preparations were really good, a big opportunity for the youngsters,” he said.

“There is some grass on the pitch which might help the seamers in the first two days. It is going to be a very competitive wicket and one has to apply himself to contribute to the team’s success,” he added.