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‘Still have the same hunger’: Siraj relishes first Ranji Trophy win as Hyderabad captain

Mohammed Siraj marked a historic milestone in his cricketing journey by leading Hyderabad to their first Ranji Trophy victory as captain, a triumph he described as fuelled by the same relentless drive that defined his early career. Ten years after emerging as a standout fast bowler in the 2016-17 season—where he claimed 41 wickets at an average of 18.92—his leadership proved decisive in a challenging red-soil pitch that favored spinners, with 27 of the 30 wickets taken by tweakers.

Siraj himself accounted for two wickets, underscoring the team’s collective effort to overcome the difficult conditions. The win, secured against Tripura by an innings and 40 runs, also earned Hyderabad a crucial bonus point, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.

Reflecting on the victory, Siraj emphasized the importance of hard work and focus, crediting mentor Wasim Jaffer for guiding the team’s strategy and maintaining discipline. The 32-year-old captain highlighted Jaffer’s experience on red-soil wickets, noting how his guidance helped the younger players adapt and perform under pressure.

For Siraj, the triumph was not just about the result but the fulfillment of a long-standing ambition to lead his team to success on the domestic stage, reaffirming his commitment to delivering impactful performances whenever he steps into the field.

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