India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has faced a pointed question about being dropped from the squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, and his reaction was crystal clear ahead of the three-match ODI series decider against New Zealand in Indore on January 18.
Mohammed Siraj was a part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad, but he will miss the domestic tournament starting February 7 in Mumbai. India’s fast bowling attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah along with Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana with Hardik Pandya as the fourth fast 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 begin their campaign against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, Siraj has shown support for the team. Notably, India has been placed in Group A along with Netherlands, USA, Namibia and Pakistan.
Also read: Before the third ODI against New Zealand, Shubman Gill brought a special water purifier worth Rs 3 lakh to Indore.
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 playing in the World Cup is a dream but he is confident the team can retain the trophy.
“I played the last T20 World Cup and not this time. For a player, playing in the World Cup is a different dream – playing for your country. The team is very good on paper and in form. All the best to them. Keep the trophy right here,” Mohammed Siraj said in the pre-match press conference.
Mohammed Siraj defends Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar over ICC T20 World Cup 2026 snub
However, Mohammed Siraj defended chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir over his skipping the T20 World Cup citing workload management. Indian fast bowlers are still regulars in India’s Test team, but their place in white-ball cricket has become uncertain since Gambhir’s arrival.
He has not played any T20 matches since India’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2024 and has been in and out of the ODI team. Currently, he is a part of India’s ongoing three-match ODI series against New Zealand.
Also read: Former RCB star ruthlessly trolls Prasidh Krishna by calling him India’s run-machine
The fast bowler explained that missing the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is part of careful workload management, while explaining 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 longer formats of the game continuously.
‘You need to refuel’
Siraj further said, “I was rested from the last ODI series against South Africa because I bowled 40 overs in the second Test (vs South Africa in Guwahati). I didn’t go 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. Playing Test matches continuously, and you are working out a lot. You need to refuel to maintain the rhythm and focus. Is.”
He also talked openly about the healthy environment of the team. “The team environment is very good. There is strong input from the seniors. Wins and losses keep happening, but the atmosphere in the dressing room is very healthy, especially when we are preparing for big tournaments,” Siraj said.
