“Workload management perhaps led to such a call” - Mohammed Siraj opens up on his exclusion for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Indian ace pacer Mohammed Siraj has stated that due to the workload management, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, had decided not to include him in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad.

Advertisment

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the third ODI against New Zealand, Siraj asserted that he would have loved to compete in the showpiece event, but believed that workload management led to his exclusion from the squad. However, he wished the team good luck for the mega event.

“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,” Mohammed Siraj said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the third ODI vs NZ.

“The team is quite good on paper and in form. My best wishes to them. Keep the trophy here,” he added.

Furthermore, Siraj reckoned that he hasn’t been in and out of India’s ODI squad, but added that he was rested from the ODI series against South Africa because he had bowled 40 overs against them in the second Test.

“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,” he stated.

“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 noted.

Advertisment

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!