Vinay Rao, Sports desk
Hyderabad: The cricketing season in Hyderabad has begun with renewed energy and expectation as teams across age groups strive to restore the city’s lost dominance in domestic circuits. From the Under-19s to the senior Ranji squad, the early signs point to progress, purpose, and potential.
Under-19 Team Sets the Benchmark
The standout performers of the season so far have been the Hyderabad Under-19 side, which has enjoyed an almost flawless campaign in the league stages—topping the table with all wins except a narrow loss to Karnataka.
Under the composed leadership of Aaron George, the team has shown remarkable balance and belief. Aaron has led from the front, scoring 346 runs with two centuries and a fifty, while Wafi Kacchi has been a revelation—amassing 228 runs, including a century, and taking 10 wickets with his all-round brilliance.
Yashveer has spearheaded the bowling attack with 11 wickets, including two crucial four-wicket hauls. The quarterfinal clash against Karnataka turned into a last-ball thriller, with Hyderabad holding their nerve to clinch victory. Aawez (37) and Karan Yadav (40) guided the tense chase, while Uzair Ahmed took three wickets and Malik and Yashveer delivered under pressure in the death overs.
With such performances, Hyderabad’s Under-19s have established themselves as serious title contenders, earning well-deserved praise for the selectors and support staff who have shaped a confident, cohesive unit.
Ranji Trophy: Mixed Fortunes for the Senior Team
The Hyderabad Ranji Trophy campaign has so far been a mix of promise and frustration.
Their opening encounter against Delhi ended in a draw, with Delhi securing a first-innings lead after twin double centuries from Sanatan Sangwan (211)* and debutant Ayush Doseja (209). The match stirred controversy for being hosted at a private academy ground—a decision that drew criticism from several quarters.
Hyderabad’s batting response was solid, led by Tanmay Agarwal’s 132 and Aniket’s 87, but the flat surface offered little assistance to bowlers. The absence of a specialist spinner was later questioned as the match drifted into a dull stalemate.
In the second match against Pondicherry, Hyderabad dominated proceedings before persistent rain denied them a well-earned victory. Batting first, they piled up 435 runs, with vital contributions from Rahul Singh (114), Hima Teja (66), Rahul Radesh (81), and Tanmay Agarwal (50). Pondicherry collapsed for 126 in the first innings and were reeling at 97 for 5 in the second before rain intervened. Tanay impressed with six wickets in the match, ably supported by Punnaiah.
Under-23s Learn Fast and Regain Momentum
The Under-23 team began their Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy campaign on a disappointing note, losing outright to Odisha despite taking a first-innings lead. Pranav Varma and Shashank Mehrotra bowled impressively, claiming four wickets each, but apart from Aman Rao’s fighting 90, Hyderabad’s batting faltered. Odisha’s Ayush Barik was the standout performer, taking 11 wickets in the match, including a devastating 8-wicket haul in the first innings. The decision to field three fast bowlers on a spin-friendly track invited criticism.
In their next outing against Rajasthan, Hyderabad bounced back with renewed intent. Avanish Rao’s quick-fire 134 and Nitin Sai Yadav’s 51 helped the team post 361 in the first innings. Despite weather interruptions, Prithvi Reddy and Dinesh Rathod exploited the conditions superbly, bowling Rajasthan out for 134 and leaving them tottering at 64 for 4 in the follow-on before the match ended in a draw. Hyderabad earned three points for the first-innings lead, signaling a positive turnaround in form and attitude.
With the season now in full swing, Hyderabad cricket finds itself at a promising crossroads—where young talent, sharper strategies, and renewed commitment could redefine its domestic trajectory. As performances continue to build across levels, fans can look forward to more exciting contests, emerging stars, and encouraging signs for the city’s cricketing future.
Stay tuned for our next Hyderabad cricket update—same time, next week.
