India’s fiery paceman Mohammed Siraj has faced a blistering question about his omission from the squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, and his response was absolute gold ahead of the three-match ODI series decider against New Zealand in Indore on January 18.
Mohammed Siraj was part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team, but he will miss the home tournament starting February 7 in Mumbai. Jasprit Bumrah will lead India’s pace attack, featuring Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, with Hardik Pandya as the fourth pace bowling option.
Mohammed Siraj overlooked for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 but backs India to defend trophy in style
Despite not being part of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad, where India will kick off their campaign against the USA on February 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Siraj has shown support for the team. Notably, India has been placed alongside the Netherlands, the USA, Namibia, and Pakistan in Group A.
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The star bowler believes that India has a strong and balanced lineup and wishes the players success in defending the title. The Hyderabad-born fast bowler said that playing in a World Cup is a dream, but he is confident the squad can keep the trophy home.
Mohammed Siraj said at the pre-match press conference, “I played the last T20 World Cup and not this time. For a player, playing in a World Cup is a different dream—playing for your country. The team is quite good on paper and in form. My best wishes to them. Keep the trophy here.”
Mohammed Siraj defends Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar over ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Snub
However, Mohammed Siraj defended the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, and head coach, Gautam Gambhir, over his T20 World Cup snub while citing the workload management. The Indian fast bowler is still a regular in India’s Test side, but in the white-ball cricket, his place has been uncertain since Gambhir’s arrival.
He hasn’t played a T20I since India’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2024 and has been in and out of the ODI squad. Currently, he is part of India’s ongoing three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
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The pacer explained that missing the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is part of careful workload management while mentioning how he was rested for the South Africa ODIs after the Test series. He stressed that fast bowlers need proper rest to maintain focus, form, and rhythm, especially when playing long formats of the game consistently.
‘You need to refuel’
Siraj further added, “I was rested from the last ODI series against South Africa because I had bowled 40 overs in the second Test (vs South Africa in Guwahati). I haven’t been in and out. I played in Australia (ODI series) and then was rested (against South Africa). For a fast bowler, adequate rest is very important. Been playing test matches consistently, and you end up working out a lot. You need to refuel to maintain the rhythm and focus.”
He also opened up about the team’s healthy atmosphere. Siraj said, “The team environment is very good. There is strong input from the seniors. Wins and losses happen, but the atmosphere in the dressing room is very healthy, especially as we prepare for bigger tournaments.”
