Rahul Singh led Hyderabad to its second successive Buchi Babu Match title, edging TNCA President’s XI on the idea of a 23-run first innings lead within the last on the CSK-HPC floor in Chennai. For the 29-year-old captain, the outcome was about extra than simply silverware — it was about seeing his aspect compete and prevail towards high quality groups just like the host groups, Haryana, and Punjab.
The title defence wasn’t simple. Hyderabad needed to dig deep at a number of factors within the marketing campaign: In opposition to Jharkhand, the chase of simply 84 almost slipped away earlier than it scraped by way of after being 61 for eight; In opposition to Punjab, it confirmed one other aspect of its character, chasing down 292 in a high-pressure contest. For Rahul, these tight contests revealed each the resilience and the areas for development inside his staff.
As Hyderabad gears up for the home season, Rahul believes this marketing campaign has strengthened the group’s self-belief and provided classes that it could possibly carry ahead into greater challenges. Extra importantly, it has given him confidence that this squad has what it takes to push for a Ranji Trophy knockout spot — one thing the staff has been craving for.
Q: The sport was very intense regardless of Hyderabad taking the primary innings lead. What was your message to the staff?
A: After they had three wickets left, I advised my staff that even when we took the lead, that was simply 50 per cent of the job completed as a result of we nonetheless needed to bat. The wicket was turning and wasn’t simple to bat on, so I wished them to be mentally ready. As soon as we received the lead, I reminded them to maintain their heads down and bat for so long as attainable. Solely when the match was in our fingers might we calm down. That’s what occurred — Rahul Radesh and Varun Goud batted it out fantastically, and it was actually good to see two children doing it for the staff.
Varun Goud was adjudged Participant of the Match for his 438 runs and 6 wickets.
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B JOTHI RAMALINGAM/The Hindu
Varun Goud was adjudged Participant of the Match for his 438 runs and 6 wickets.
| Picture Credit score:
B JOTHI RAMALINGAM/The Hindu
Q: Varun Goud appears to be the discover of the event. How has his journey been, and what does he carry to the desk?
A: Varun’s journey has been spectacular. He has had some hiccups in his profession, however has made a powerful comeback. I’d at all times heard about him and the way effectively he performs, however this was the primary time I noticed him in motion. He gave the staff plenty of assurance at any time when he got here in. He’s composed, calm, and likes to take his time, which was precisely what was wanted on this event. We’re very joyful to have a middle-order batter like him. Our center order seems to be strong with him there, and we’re assured he’ll proceed the identical manner in the primary tournaments. He performed the Vijay Hazare Trophy final season and even gained us a recreation towards Karnataka with an excellent knock. So, he’s undoubtedly a multi-format participant.
Q: What’s the largest takeaway from this event?
A: This was a tricky event. There have been video games the place we might have misplaced the lead and even the match, however we pulled by way of. In comparison with final yr, this time, even in tough conditions, we held on — that was encouraging and has boosted the staff’s confidence. After all, there have been additionally video games the place we have been in sturdy positions however let it slip, in order that’s an enormous studying: not to surrender. We had two or three very shut video games — Punjab was very tight, and towards Jharkhand, we have been in bother regardless of chasing a small goal.
It was a staff effort, however there have been standout performances: Tanmay Agarwal’s hundred towards Punjab and Varun’s consistency all through. Tanay Thyagarajan did effectively till he left, after which G. Anikethreddy stepped up. Our new spinner, Nitin Sai Yadav, did rather well. Rohit Rayudu has been constant; Radesh saved beautifully on tough wickets and in addition chipped in with the bat. Everybody contributed when required. We are able to nonetheless enhance — hopefully by 5 to 10 per cent within the subsequent event.
Q: How have you ever grown into the management position?
A: As captain, I’ve learnt endurance. It has calmed me down and stopped me from attempting too arduous. I’ve been telling my bowlers to stay to 1 line and bowl persistently. I’ve realised that having many expertise doesn’t matter in the event you’re not constant. On this recreation, too, we simply didn’t give runs away. They’d 50 to get with 5 wickets in hand, however we saved bowling in the fitting areas and waited for possibilities. That’s how we got here again. So, endurance, perception, and never shedding hope — that’s what I’ve learnt. In opposition to Punjab, as an example, we might have bowled slowly and simply accomplished the 45 overs, then chased, however after they began hitting, we thought: we now have the talents, let’s go for it. Now I consider extra in my gamers — I do know who can do what and once I can financial institution on them.
Nitin Sai Yadav celebrates after claiming a wicket towards TNCA President’s XI.
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B JOTHI RAMALINGAM/The Hindu
Nitin Sai Yadav celebrates after claiming a wicket towards TNCA President’s XI.
| Picture Credit score:
B JOTHI RAMALINGAM/The Hindu
Q: The event was performed in two codecs: a limited-overs one with two innings after which a four-day common Ranji Trophy format. How did you intend for it?
A: Within the first part, we targeted on rotating the strike within the limited-overs format, ensuring not to surrender singles. We additionally play two-day video games in our A-division league, so we now have an thought about it. Then switching to the multi-day format, we knew we had extra time, so batters like Varun might take it gradual and play lengthy. It was a very good change as a result of bowlers additionally didn’t need to rush.
Q: How tough was it to play on this warmth?
A: The warmth made issues robust. The schedule was demanding, with three-day video games and simply one-day gaps initially. It was very tiring, and some gamers had niggles due to the climate. It was an intense event. Now, we’re wanting ahead to a brief break earlier than getting again to preparations.
Q: Tanmay and Tanay have been chosen for the Duleep Trophy. Even Anikethreddy was named within the stand-by listing. How vital is a variety at the next stage for the participant and the staff?
A: It’s motivating to see performances being rewarded. Final yr, Tanmay did rather well within the Ranji Trophy, Tanay additionally did effectively, and each received call-ups. Everybody now is aware of that in the event you carry out for the staff, you’ll transfer up. Hopefully, subsequent yr, as a substitute of two, we’ll have 4 gamers there. Kids like Himateja, Radesh, and Varun are additionally able to making it.
Q: Do you guys consider that this season Hyderabad can enter the knockouts in Ranji Trophy?
A: I consider we are able to qualify for the Ranji knockouts. We haven’t gained a lot just lately, however now we now have a recent mixture of seniors and juniors, gelling effectively and complementing one another. The selectors have additionally been constant, which helps — the gamers know in the event that they carry out, they’ll be backed. That’s essential, particularly for kids, to really feel safe within the staff. The vibe within the group is superb, and hopefully, we are able to carry this into the Ranji Trophy season. It’ll be an enormous increase for the gamers and their careers.
Printed on Sep 09, 2025