Mohammed Siraj was part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team, but he will miss the home tournament from 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 the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, but backs India to defend the trophy in style
Despite not being part of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad, where India will start their campaign against the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7, Siraj has shown support for the team. Notably, India has been placed in Group A alongside the Netherlands, the US, Namibia and Pakistan.
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The star bowler believes that India have a strong and balanced line-up and wishes the players luck in defending the title. The Hyderabad-born fast bowler said playing in a World Cup is a dream but he is confident the team can keep the trophy at home.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Mohammed Siraj said: “I have played the last T20 World Cup and not this time. For a player, playing in a World Cup is another 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 during ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Snub
Mohammed Siraj, however, defended the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, and head coach, Gautam Gambhir, during his T20 World Cup romp while citing workload management. The Indian fast bowler is still a regular in the Indian Test squad, but his place in white-ball cricket has been uncertain since Gambhir’s arrival.
He has not played a T20I since India’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2024 and has been in and out of the ODI squad. He is currently 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 ODIs in South Africa after the Test series. He emphasized that fast bowlers need adequate rest to maintain focus, form and rhythm, especially if they consistently play long formats of the game.
‘You have to refuel’
Siraj further added, “I was rested from the last ODI series against South Africa as I had bowled 40 overs in the second Test (against South Africa in Guwahati). I have not been in and out. I played in Australia (ODI series) and was rested after that (against South Africa). For a fast bowler, adequate rest is very important. I have been playing Test matches consistently and ultimately you train a lot. You have to fuel up to maintain the rhythm and focus.”
He also talked about the healthy atmosphere in the team. 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.”
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