Mohammed Siraj Reveals How a Phone Call Changed His T20 World Cup 2026 Journey

Mohammed Siraj was added to India’s T20 World Cup 2026 team at the last moment. He was about to travel to Spain to watch Real Madrid play against Real Sociedad on February 15, but a phone call from India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav made him change his plans and join the team instead. Siraj was named as a replacement for Harshit Rana, who suffered a knee injury and was ruled out of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Suryakumar dialled the experienced pacer, who was surprised with the sudden call-up. He even joked to Surya to stop joking. 

"When I was on the flight to here, I felt it was a dream," Siraj recalled after starring for India in their first league stage game in the World Cup. "I thought I wouldn’t be part of the World Cup. I was spending time with family. Suddenly, Surya called and said, ‘Miyan, ready ho ja, bag pack kar le.’ I told him, ‘Mazaak mat karo’ (don’t joke with me). But God is great," Siraj added.

From Spain Trip to World Cup Star: Siraj’s Last-Minute Call-Up

He bowled really well with the new ball. He took a wicket in his very first over by getting out the dangerous Andries Gous. In his next over, he dismissed Saiteja Mukkamalla, and then picked up another wicket in the final over. He finished with 3 wickets for 29 runs in his four overs.

"I knew it wasn’t easy to hit against the new ball, and that’s what happened," he said about his bowling.

Meanwhile, just coming in for Harshit didn't guarantee him playing the USA clash until Jasprit Bumrah fell sick and missed the opener. "First, I didn’t know I would be playing. When the message came in the morning yesterday that I would be playing, I was happy," Siraj said.

The pacer then revealed his original plan was to watch the Real Madrid game in Spain next week, but the SOS call changed his plan. "My plan was to see the Real Madrid game on the 15th. There was Ramzan also. But God’s will—whatever will happen, will happen," he said.

Siraj said that he prepared for the game. "I watched video plans after coming at 3 pm. Without proper preparation, you cannot play in a big game. This is a World Cup. Since I’ve been regularly playing, I knew what to do. That was the thought last night also—bowl this line and length," the pacer added.

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by Dwijesh February 7, 2026