Mohammed Siraj Backs India’s T20 World Cup squad, Cites Workload Behind Snub

Mohammed Siraj had defended his omission from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, citing workload management and backing the team to retain the title at home.

Mohammed Siraj was part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2024 but did not make the cut for the title defence at home, which will get underway next month in Mumbai. In the 15-member squad announced for the marquee event, India picked Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana as specialist fast bowlers, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya serving as the fourth pace option.

While Siraj continues to be a regular in India’s Test side, he has moved in and out of the ODI squad and appears to have fallen out of favour in the T20I setup. His last T20I appearance came during India’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2024.

Currently featuring in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, Siraj addressed his exclusion from the World Cup squad and pointed to workload management as the key reason behind the decision.

“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 Backs India’s Squad

Siraj also expressed confidence in the squad selected for the upcoming 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 in Group A alongside the Netherlands, USA, Namibia and Pakistan, with the tournament set to begin on February 8.

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In the ongoing ODI series, India took a 1-0 lead before New Zealand bounced back to level the series. The defeat was notable as India fielded a near full-strength side, without Bumrah, against a visiting team missing several first-choice players.

Reflecting on the team environment, Siraj highlighted the positive atmosphere within the dressing room. “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.