The Hyderabad Cricket Affiliation (HCA) have formally unveiled their 15-man squad designated to take part within the preliminary three matches of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season. Signifying a daring strategic shift towards youth management, the HCA has appointed star left-handed batter Tilak Varma because the captain, with the dependable all-rounder Rahul Singh named his deputy.
The announcement units the stage for Hyderabad’s marketing campaign, which can start with three demanding away fixtures in opposition to Delhi, Puducherry and Himachal Pradesh. The choice to entrust the captaincy to the younger Varma underscores the HCA’s confidence in his skills, each as a match-winner and a pure chief, to information the group via India’s premier first-class competitors.
Tilak Varma’s elevation: From Asia Cup stardom to red-ball chief
Tilak’s promotion to the helm comes on the again of spectacular latest type, culminating in a defining efficiency on the worldwide stage. Varma was lately the topic of widespread reward for his match-winning knock in opposition to fierce rivals Pakistan within the Asia Cup 2025 ultimate. That essential innings demonstrated not solely his distinctive expertise and approach but in addition a profound sense of composure and the power to soak up stress – qualities important for main a aspect within the rigorous four-day format.
The HCA’s transfer is a transparent indication of a long-term imaginative and prescient, prioritizing gamers who’re presently in peak type and possessing vital worldwide expertise to instil a successful tradition within the Ranji Trophy squad. Varma’s management will probably be essential in setting an aggressive and aggressive tone from the very first match.
Squad composition: Mixing expertise and rising expertise
The 15-man contingent chosen by the HCA selectors contains a balanced mixture of established Ranji stalwarts and thrilling younger prospects. Veterans like Tanmay Agarwal and C.V. Milind are anticipated to offer the bedrock of the group, providing solidity in batting and bowling, respectively.
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The squad options two wicketkeepers, Ali Kachi Diamond and Rahul Radesh, providing flexibility in choice based mostly on match circumstances. Key batting positions may also be stuffed by gamers akin to Himateja and Rohit Rayudu. Within the bowling division, the spin choices are spearheaded by Tanay Thyagarajan, whereas Punnaiah and Aniketh Reddy present the required tempo and seam motion. Kids M. Abhirath Reddy and Saranu Nishant have additionally earned their spots, reflecting a concentrate on nurturing the following era of Hyderabad cricketing expertise.
15-man Hyderabad squad and standby gamers
The 15-man squad for the primary three Ranji Trophy matches:
- Captain: Tilak Varma
- Vice-Captain: Rahul Singh
Gamers: C.V. Milind, Tanmay Agarwal, M. Abhirath Reddy, Himateja, Varun Goud, Tanay Thyagarajan, Rohit Rayudu, Saranu Nishant, Punnaiah, Aniketh Reddy, Kartikeya Kak, Ali Kachi Diamond (wk), Rahul Radesh (wk)
Standbyes: P. Nitish Reddy, Sai Pragnay Reddy, Rakshann Reddy, Nitesh Kanala, Mikhil Jaiswal
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