Mohammed Siraj links workload to 2026 T20 World Cup omission

Published - 18 Jan 2026, 11:03 IST | Updated - 18 Jan 2026, 12:18 IST

India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj believes workload may have been a factor for the pacer's omission from the squad for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup at home. Siraj was a part of India's title-winning squad during 2024, but wasn't taken into consideration for their title-defending campaign, as the Men in Blue have decided to go a little heavy on spinners.

The Hyderabad cricketer commented on his non-inclusion on the eve of the third ODI of the series against New Zealand and said that he would have loved to be a part of the squad like last time.

“I played in the last T20 World Cup (in 2024), but this time I won’t be getting the chance. For a player, playing in a World Cup is a dream, and playing for your country is even bigger. Would’ve loved to compete in the big-ticket event, but workload management perhaps led to such a call," shared Siraj, as quoted by The Telegraph.

Siraj, however, did not feel that he had been an irregular part of the 50-over set-up. He mentioned how adequate rest is crucial for a fast bowler. The 31-year-old also noted how he has been a consistent part of India's Test squad across almost all the series in the past.

“I was rested from the last ODI series against South Africa because I had bowled 40 overs in the second Test against them in Guwahati. I haven’t been in and out of the team. I played in Australia in the ODI series (last October), and was then rested against South Africa. For a fast bowler, adequate rest is very important. I’ve 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, who plays for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, shared that bowling stump-to-stump will be an ideal ploy for bowlers in the series-deciding clash for India against New Zealand at the Holkar Cricket Stadium for the series-deciding clash, solely due to the small dimensions of the venue and the batting-friendly nature of the pitch.

Siraj defends under-fire Indian stalwart ahead of 3rd ODI

Siraj, who registered figures of 2/40 and 0/41 in the first two ODIs, will be crucial for the Men in Blue in the third match of the series. He will be expected to deliver and lead the lines in the absence of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah.