Mohammed Siraj Gets New Role Ahead of Ranji Trophy 2026-27; Hyderabad Hand India Pacer Captaincy After Pace Concerns

India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj is set to take on a major new responsibility in domestic cricket. The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has named the experienced pacer captain of its Ranji Trophy team for the 2026-27 season.

Fellow fast bowler Chama Milind has been appointed vice-captain, giving Hyderabad an experienced pace-bowling leadership combination for the upcoming red-ball campaign.

The new season begins on October 11, when Hyderabad take on Tripura in their opening fixture.

Siraj to lead Hyderabad in Elite Group B

Hyderabad have been placed in Elite Group B, where they will face some formidable domestic sides during the league stage.

The group features Saurashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam and Tripura, alongside Hyderabad.

Siraj’s appointment adds another dimension to the season, with the India international now expected to shoulder both bowling and leadership responsibilities whenever available for Hyderabad.

The 32-year-old was most recently seen representing South Zone in the 2026 Duleep Trophy, where he spearheaded the pace attack under Tilak Varma’s captaincy.

Siraj recently faced questions over his pace

The captaincy announcement comes at an interesting stage in Siraj’s career, following concerns over a noticeable drop in his bowling speed during India’s recent tour of Sri Lanka.

Siraj, who is capable of operating around the mid-140 kmph mark at his quickest, was seen bowling in the late 120s at times during the tour.

Across the two-match series, the pacer bowled 44 overs and claimed four wickets.

Siraj later acknowledged that his bowling rhythm was not quite right after returning from a two-month break.

“Coming off a two-month break straight into a match, my rhythm wasn’t quite there. I’m purely a rhythm bowler,” Siraj said after the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai.

He explained that problems with his run-up had affected his ability to generate his usual pace.

“Some strides were too short, others were too long, and that broke my flow and cost me pace,” he said while reflecting on his struggles in Sri Lanka.

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Duleep Trophy brings encouraging signs

The good news for Siraj was that his rhythm appeared to improve as the Duleep Trophy progressed.

The Hyderabad pacer said things began falling into place during the domestic competition, allowing his pace to return more naturally.

“Out here, everything clicked into place, and the pace followed naturally,” Siraj said.

The workload was challenging. Siraj explained that the players had arrived from Sri Lanka after spending significant time in the field during the second Test in Colombo, only to play again within a week in Chennai’s demanding heat.

But for Siraj, representing the team remains more important than looking for excuses.

“When you’re representing your country, you can’t make excuses. You have to give every ounce of effort for your team and nation,” he said.

Ranji Trophy could be important for Siraj

The upcoming Ranji Trophy season could now offer Siraj an opportunity to build on the improvements he experienced during the Duleep Trophy while also testing himself in a new role as captain.

Leading Hyderabad means his contribution will no longer be measured only through wickets, pace and spells with the new ball. His field placements, bowling changes and ability to guide younger players will also come under focus.

For Hyderabad, having an experienced India Test pacer at the helm could prove valuable in a challenging Elite Group.

With Chama Milind alongside him as vice-captain, Siraj will now look to turn Hyderabad into serious contenders when their 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign begins against Tripura on October 11.