Sun Jan 18 09:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Siraj Reflects on Omission from T20 World Cup Squad Amidst Workload Management
The Story:
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, a key figure in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory and the drawn Test series in England in 2025, has addressed his omission from the squad for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. While expressing his dream of playing in the tournament, Siraj acknowledged the strength of the selected team and attributed his absence from a recent ODI series against South Africa to workload management following a demanding Test series. He is currently leading the pace attack in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand.
Key Points:
- Mohammed Siraj played a crucial role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win and the 2025 Test series draw in England.
- Siraj was rested for the ODI series against South Africa due to a heavy workload in the preceding Test match, where he bowled approximately 40 overs.
- He has been selected to play against New Zealand.
- Siraj expressed disappointment at missing the 2026 T20 World Cup but voiced confidence in the selected team.
- He emphasizes the importance of rest for fast bowlers, especially those playing Test cricket.
Key Takeaways:
- Workload management is becoming increasingly critical for Indian fast bowlers given the demands of playing across all formats of the game.
- Selection for major tournaments like the T20 World Cup is highly competitive, even for players with proven track records.
- Players are publicly managing expectations and maintaining a positive team-first attitude when faced with selection disappointments.
First Piper 