The biennial T20 carnival was held to conclude the shortened international cricket home season. But Mohammed Siraj, who has been out of India’s T20 set-up for nearly 18 months, had no intention of chasing every ball in the tournament. With Hyderabad missing out on making it to the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals, Siraj planned a rest and recovery period until February before switching gears for the annual T20 franchise extravaganza in March. A short trip to Spain to watch his favorite clubs Real Madrid and Real Sociedad play in La Liga next weekend was also on the agenda.

Everything changed on Friday morning (February 6, 2026) when the tireless pacer received a call from India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, on the eve of India starting their title defense against the US.

“I was spending time with my family and (on Thursday) I received a message from Adrian (Le Roux strength and conditioning coach) asking me about my plans for the next few days. I said, ‘Don’t message me now. I’ve played two games in four days so I’m resting. I need to rest. Then we’ll see what the plan is,'” Siraj revealed at the Wankhede Stadium after appearing as a playmaker against the US.

“Then all of a sudden (on Friday) Surya by called me. He said, “Get ready, pack your bags, and come.” I said, “Surya.” by, Don’t joke, it’s not going to happen. He said, “I’m telling you the truth. Get ready.” As soon as I hung up the phone, I received a call from Ojha bhai (national selector Pragyan Ojha) and suddenly I heard shocking news. No one can change what God has established. I came and played the match – everything was written. God is great. No one can surpass it. ”

With Harshit Rana injuring his knee during a warm-up match on Wednesday (February 4, 2026) and opting out of the T20 World Cup, India opted to call up Siraj, a member of Rohit Sharma’s 2024 winning squad. That wasn’t the only surprise. Immediately after joining the team, Siraj was told that he would be playing in the Wankhede after pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out due to a virus infection.

Siraj — the perfect embodiment of the ultimate team man

After India were restricted to 161 for 9, Siraj scored two goals in the powerplay, tilting the match decisively. It was fitting that he dismissed Shubham Ranjan on the last ball to clinch the match and end an extraordinary 36-hour frenzy.

“It was tough. First of all, when I was sitting on the plane for the last 24 hours, it was like a dream because I never thought I would play in the World Cup. The plan for the past year was that all the players in the World Cup would get a chance in T20s. But when I didn’t play in T20s, I understood that I wouldn’t be able to participate this year. But God changed my destiny,” Siraj said.

“My plan was that there was a Real Madrid game on the 15th and I was going to watch that. Then Ramzan was coming so I was planning around that. But whatever God writes will happen.”

Siraj’s dream run in the shortest format added yet another dramatic chapter as he starred in India’s Test series in England and made an ODI return later that year. masala film. Now back in India’s T20I colors, he hopes this sequel will be as memorable as his World Cup victory two years ago.