Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj humorously said that it’s impossible to say no to skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s request after being drafted as a last-minute injury replacement in the 2026 T20 World Cup squad. He was immediately drafted into the playing XI for the opening match following Harshit Rana’s knee injury and Jasprit Bumrah’s illness.
With Siraj being the only frontline seamer available on the bench, he stepped up against the USA at Wankhede Stadium. The right-arm pacer made a significant impact, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs and helping India secure a 29-run victory in the absence of their lead bowler.
Siraj had long been a strong contender for the squad, and Harshit Rana’s unfortunate knee injury during a warm-up match against South Africa, just days before the group stage, paved the way for his inclusion.
“Surya bhai ne bola aane ka, toh aane ka (If brother Surya tells you to come to the team, you have to come). I actually last met Surya in the IPL, and after that I never got the chance to meet hm. I never thought I will play this World Cup, because last year I was a champion.”
“After that, I was not a part of the team because the same players from the 2024 World Cup were there,” Mohammed Siraj said in a video released by the BCCI.
“But no one can change what god writes. So, I got in the team, played today’s match, and also performed well. So, how much ever I thank god, it is less. Now, we have to carry this momentum,” he added.
Before his recent game against the USA, Mohammed Siraj last featured in a T20I against Sri Lanka during the 2024 tour, early in the Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav era.
Team India Set To Take On Namibia In T20 WC 2026
Even after his impressive comeback, Mohammed Siraj could be sidelined if Jasprit Bumrah returns for Team India’s next group match against Namibia. The Men in Blue are set to take on their Group A rivals at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday, February 12.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.