By Vinay Rao
Niyat” is a Hindi/Urdu word that means intention, motive, or inner purpose. It refers to the true mindset or sincerity behind an action
In sport, as in governance, intention — Niyat — determines direction. Hyderabad cricket today finds itself in a moment where intention matters more than ever. Some within the system genuinely want to rebuild, some attempt a middle path between contribution and self-interest, and a few remain focused purely on personal gain. That divergence of motives has long defined the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). But under the steady and non-negotiable stewardship of Justice Naveen Rao Garu, the environment is finally showing signs of correction.
For the first time in years, there is a visible effort to dismantle the notorious “passport system,” a culture where access and influence trumped merit. The Senior Selectors have aligned themselves with this shift, showing clarity, openness, and a willingness to reward performance. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the Junior Selectors, whose methods have severely undermined what could have been a promising season.
A Bright Day for Hyderabad Cricket
Yesterday offered a welcome break from weeks of turbulence. Hyderabad registered its first victory in the U23 One Day Tournament — a much-needed boost after five dispiriting losses — and the announcement of the Syed Mushtaq Ali squad reflected long-awaited clarity and purpose at the senior level.
U23 Match Recap: Discipline with the Ball, Grit with the Bat
Bowling first, Hyderabad kept Vidarbha under steady pressure. Although three Vidarbha batters crossed 40, none could convert into a match-winning score, thanks to disciplined spells across the attack:
• Dinesh Rathod – 4 wickets
• Prithvi – 2 wickets
• Pranav – 2 wickets
Chasing a tricky target, Hyderabad lost early wickets before Aman Rao (58) held the innings together. Dheeraj (49) and Sartak (34) pushed the team deep into the chase, and Nithin, along with Prana,v finished the job. The performance had character — but it also begged an uncomfortable question.
Why Did It Take Six Matches to Win?
This win was not a breakthrough; the five losses that preceded it were the anomaly.
Hyderabad’s poor start to the season was shaped not by lack of talent but by poor decisions, ego-driven experimentation, and selection choices that defied logic. The Junior Selectors, flush with the glow of the Vinoo Mankad Trophy triumph, seemed to believe that success had come through their brilliance. What followed was a systematic dismantling of a winning core.
The pattern was unmistakable:
• Sudden and unexplained exclusions of key performers
• Hype over raw pace overshadowing proven skill
• Selections influenced by club and academy affiliations
• A fictional narrative that Hyderabad possessed “Lloyd’s pace battery and Lara-level batting talent”
• And the most telling remark of all:
“If performance is everything, Yousuf can prepare an Excel sheet and pick the team.”
Modern cricket structures rely on performance matrices, role clarity, stability, and data-backed selection. Hyderabad’s junior system instead chose perception, personal preferences, and political calculations — and the points table reflected the consequences.
Yesterday’s win should not be seen as a redemption arc, but as a reminder of what could have been achieved with sane, merit-driven selection. It must also force a hard review of the Junior Selectors’ Niyat.
Senior Selectors Show the Way with Mushtaq Ali Squad
In contrast, the Senior Selectors have offered a refreshing, merit-centric approach. Their Syed Mushtaq Ali squad has balance, logic, and visible intention. They have rewarded consistency, recent form, and role-based suitability.
Deserving performers such as H.K. Simha, Ashish Srivastava, Rishiket Sisodia, and Arfaz earned their places through results, not reputation. U23 standouts Aman Rao and Nithin were rightly promoted, though Dinesh Rathod, given his all-round impact, may feel unlucky to miss out.
Appointing C.V. Milind as captain is an especially smart call. In peak form and seasoned with leadership temperament, Milind represents the stability Hyderabad has long lacked. While results are never guaranteed, the direction finally appears aligned with modern cricketing standards.
Apex Council Must Also Reflect on Its Intention
The truncated Apex Council, too, must reassess its intentions. Hyderabad cricket deserves long-term planning, not short-term politicking. Structure, transparency, and fairness must form the pillars of decision-making.
Justice Naveen Rao would do well to appoint a review committee to:
1. Conduct an honest audit of the U23 decisions
2. Assess the broader season so far
3. Set a clear roadmap for the remainder of the year and the seasons ahead
The Vinoo Mankad triumph, smooth conduct of leagues, and recent positive signs cannot be allowed to dissipate under the weight of internal chaos.
Hyderabad cricket is at an inflection point. The talent is real, the momentum is visible, and the intention from the top appears firm. The question now is simple: Will everyone align their Niyat for the good of Hyderabad cricket — or will old habits reassert themselves again?
