Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Jan 15: India pacer Mohammed Siraj has been appointed captain of the Hyderabad Ranji Trophy team for the remainder of the ongoing season, with Rahul Gahlaut named as his deputy. Hyderabad will face Mumbai on January 22 and Chhattisgarh on January 29 in their last two group-stage matches.

The leadership change comes after regular skipper Tilak Varma sustained an abdominal injury following the fifth round. Varma, who had captained Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and led the side in several matches, missed the team’s final two group games and his availability for India’s upcoming T20I series against New Zealand also remains uncertain.

Siraj, meanwhile, is currently part of the Indian squad in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. He picked up two wickets in the opening match but went wicketless in the second ODI. As per reports, Siraj has been entrusted with the captaincy despite having no prior leadership experience, largely due to his stature and success at the international level.

Although Siraj has not featured in a red-ball game for Hyderabad this Ranji season, he has represented the state in limited-overs competitions. He claimed seven wickets each in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, showing decent form.

Hyderabad are presently placed fourth in Elite Group D of the Ranji Trophy with 13 points from five matches. They are tied on points with Rajasthan, who occupy third place, while Mumbai and Jammu & Kashmir lead the standings. With two crucial matches remaining, Siraj’s inclusion and leadership are expected to provide a significant boost as Hyderabad keep their knockout hopes alive.

Siraj will also be keen to make an impact in the third and final ODI against New Zealand, scheduled to be played at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, with the series currently locked at 1-1.