Team India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj revealed that he had planned a trip to Spain to watch Real Madrid’s match on February 15, before receiving an unexpected call-up to the national squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. He admitted that even boarding the flight to join the team in Mumbai felt surreal.
Siraj was drafted into the T20 World Cup squad on Friday, February 6, as a replacement for Harshit Rana, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a right knee injury sustained in the warm-up match against South Africa.
Initially expected to serve as a backup bowler, Siraj found himself in the playing XI against the USA on Saturday at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, as Jasprit Bumrah was unwell. At the post-match press conference, the Hyderabad pacer reflected on the sudden turn of events over the past 24 hours, saying:
“When I was on the flight [to Mumbai], it all felt like a dream. I thought I wouldn’t be part of the World Cup and was spending time with family. My plan was to watch the Real Madrid game [in Spain] on the 15th. There was Ramzan as well. However, it’s all God’s will. Whatever has to happen will happen.”
The 31-year-old also confessed that he had no idea he would be playing immediately against the USA. He said:
“Initially, I didn’t know I would be playing. When the message came in the morning that I would be playing, I was very happy.”
“We Stayed Calm Knowing Surya Was There”: Mohammed Siraj On Batting Collapse
After being sent in to bat by the USA, India suffered a major setback, slumping to 77-6 in the 13th over. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, however, led the rescue with a brilliant 84* off 49 balls, guiding India to 161-9. The bowlers then did their job to secure the win.
Mohammed Siraj emphasized that the dressing room remained composed despite the collapse, saying:
“We were calm because we knew Surya was out there. He knows this [Wankhede] pitch very well. The way he batted, it seemed he was saying, ‘I am here, don’t worry’. The way he remained calm after that those early wickets fell, hats off to him. Remember, this is not a bilateral series, this is a World Cup.”
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