Hyderabad cricket team is full of potential

Hyderabad: The season is over and Team Hyderabad has reasons to be satisfied with overall performances in all the three formats of the game in the domestic circuit. Their biggest achievement was their elevation to the Elite group in Ranji Trophy after an excellent show in Group `C’ league wherein they emerged at the top of the pool. For many years, the two-time champions have been languishing at the bottom of the table but this season, with appointment of former Indian coach Bharat Arun, Hyderabad’s fortunes changed for the better.

“It is a pretty good season. There were a lot of highs but it did throw up few questions that need to be addressed for a much better performance in future. However, it is an encouraging result,’’ said Arun after Hyderabad made their exit from Vijay Hazare one-day tournament.

But what hurt Arun was the inability of the Hyderabad team to show the consistency or going-for-the-kill attitude when it mattered most. This has been the same story for Hyderabad in all three tournaments _ Ranji Trophy, South Zone T20 and Vijay Hazare one-day. The team began promisingly before failing to sustain the momentum in crucial stages much to the chagrin of Arun. “It is one area we found to be wanting. That hurt us lot. Getting out for 88 against Services after a close match against Karnataka which went against us ended our campaign in Vijay Hazare tournament,’’ he said.

The coach was not hesitant to blame the batsmen for Hyderabad’s abrupt exit in all the three tournaments. “The



bowlers were outstanding but not the batsmen who were inconsistent. They showed good skills and batted well in patches but made mistakes that were avoidable. It is all about mental toughness. They need to tighten up their game.’’

However, Arun continue to reiterate that the pace trio of Chama Milind, Mohammad Siraj and Ravi Kiran as one of the best in the country. “These three pace bowlers made a big impression this season and were exceptional in all three formats of the game. Siraj has developed into a very dangerous bowler. He can bowl with good pace and this IPL would be a big season for him. He has got a good platform to improve his skills by interacting and playing with big players in Sunrisers team.

“Milind, who has a lot of variety with his left-arm medium pace, can become a good all-rounder. He showed his value as a batsman also. He is solid and can hit the ball long and hard.’’

As for Ravi Kiran, Arun feels that the bowler has the ability to trouble with his pace. “If he improves his fielding and batting, he could be very useful to the team.’’

The coach also praised left-arm spinner Mehdi Hasan. “He is a fighting cricketer. In shorter format, he is useful with his tight bowling while he can fetch runs with the willow.’’

Arun, who had a one-year contract with Hyderabad Cricket Association, said he would love to return to Hyderabad. “It is a team full of potential and hopefully I will return for the new season.’’