Former India batter Wasim Jaffer has been appointed as Hyderabad’s mentor ahead of the 2026-27 domestic cricket season. The appointment is for a two-year term, during which Jaffer will work closely with both the senior squad and the age-group teams.
The move comes shortly after Ambati Rayudu took charge as Hyderabad’s Head of Cricket Operations. Rayudu is believed to have played a key role in bringing Jaffer on board, citing his vast domestic experience and winning pedigree as major assets for the team.
Jaffer is regarded as one of the greatest players in Indian domestic cricket. A 10-time Ranji Trophy champion, he remains the tournament’s highest-ever run-scorer. Since retiring from professional cricket in 2020, he has built an impressive coaching résumé, working with Vidarbha, Uttarakhand, Odisha, and Punjab. He has also served as a consultant batting coach for the Bangladesh Cricket Board and IPL franchise Punjab Kings.
Hyderabad endured a difficult 2025-26 domestic season. The team finished fourth in its Ranji Trophy group, securing just one outright victory in seven matches, and failed to progress beyond the group stage of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, the side enjoyed a stronger campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, narrowly missing out on a place in the final after Haryana edged them on net run rate.
Jaffer’s appointment is part of a broader restructuring effort under Rayudu’s leadership. Since taking over in May, the Hyderabad Cricket Association has launched several initiatives, including the Telangana T20 League—an eight-team franchise tournament running until July 12—and announced multiple infrastructure development projects across districts under the association’s jurisdiction.
With Jaffer now joining the setup, Hyderabad will hope his experience, leadership, and proven success in domestic cricket can help guide the team toward improved performances in the coming seasons.