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Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Jaffer’s “khadoos” mantra meets spinner’s paradise in Hyderabad

Hyderabad’s Aniketh Reddy dominated Tripura’s batting lineup with a career-defining five-wicket haul on Day 1 of their Ranji Trophy clash, as the new red-soil track at Gymkhana Ground turned into a spinner’s paradise. Thirteen of the fourteen wickets in the match fell to bowlers, with Reddy’s standout performance underscoring the Hyderabad team’s tactical shift under mentor Wasim Jaffer.

The Mumbai legend’s emphasis on teamwork and resilience—captured in Reddy’s description of Jaffer’s “khadoos” (grit) mantra—has reshaped the squad’s approach, prioritizing patience and partnership-building over individual brilliance. Hyderabad’s captain noted the strategic value of their preparation, including a practice match on the same pitch, which helped them exploit the turning conditions early.

With the team now targeting knockout qualification, Reddy’s five-for set a bold tone for their campaign, while the wicket’s spin-friendly nature could redefine how matches are played over the four-day format.

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