“I watched the videos after arriving here at 3:00pm” - Mohammed Siraj opens up on his preparation for the USA game

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, who made his comeback to the team for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, has revealed that he was clear about his preparation when it comes to the shortest format of the game.

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Notably, Siraj made his return to the format for the first time since June 2024. He was announced as Harshit Rana’s replacement for the showpiece event. Siraj, while speaking to the reporters, stated that sticking to the line and lengths he bowled in Ranji Trophy was his actual plan against the USA in the campaign opener.

“The emotions are always there because as a player when you are playing in a World Cup, the dream is different as a professional as well for the tournament,” Siraj told reporters after the match.

“I was coming off the Ranji Trophy, so my line and lengths… when we were batting it was not easy to hit the new ball and it was important to stick to the wicket-to-wicket (length) and if you got wickets, it would be good for the team. So that was the plan and I was able to execute and got the wickets as well,” he added.

Siraj also added that he did not think he would get into the playing XI immediately, but the experience of captaining Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy helped him to do well. Notably, Siraj scalped three wickets against the USA.

“First of all, I did not know I would play. I was happy being called-up but I got to know in the morning that I am playing, so I was a little more excited because I had only arrived yesterday (Friday),” he said.

“The way I was playing in the Ranji Trophy, I was captaining (Hyderabad) as well, so I wanted to keep myself calm and I was only thinking about how I can put pressure and attack. Whatever I could think of, I was able to execute,” he noted.

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“Of course I watched the videos after arriving here at 3:00pm. Without any preparation you cannot take the field, it is a World Cup after all." Siraj stated.

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