Mohammed Siraj was part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad but hasn’t made the cut for their title defence at home that will get underway next month in Mumbai. In their 15-man squad for the showpiece
event, India have picked Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana as the specialist fast bowlers with all-rounder Hardik Pandya being the fourth option.
While Siraj remains a Test regular, he’s been in and out of India’s ODI squads and seems to have fallen out of favour in the T20I setup. His last T20I appearance came during the Sri Lanka tour of 2024.
However, Siraj, who is currently playing in the three-match ODI series with New Zealand, has defended the World Cup exclusion, citing workload management.
“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),” the right-arm pacer told reporters ahead of the third ODI between India and New Zealand in Indore.
“I haven’t been in and out. I played in Australia (ODI series) 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 added.
Siraj feels India have picked a strong team for the T20 World Cup.
“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,” he said.
India have been placed alongside Netherlands, USA, Namibia and Pakistan in Group A of the competition that starts from February 8.
India had taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against New Zealand before the tourists bounced back to pull themselves back on level terms. The defeat should rankle given India are playing with a near full-strength team (not featuring Bumrah) against a team that is missing several of its first-choice stars.
“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,” Siraj said of the dressing room environment.
