Senior Indian fast bowler Mohammad Siraj revealed an interesting anecdote regarding his last-minute inclusion in the T20 World Cup 2026 team. Initially, when he received the call from captain Suryakumar Yadav informing him of his selection, Siraj thought it was a prank. He was picked as a replacement for the injured Harshit Rana just a day before the tournament began. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted for Siraj due to his experience, intending to complement the bowling attack alongside Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah.

However, the challenges didn't end there for Siraj. Just before India's first match, Jasprit Bumrah fell ill, opening the path for Siraj to directly enter the playing XI. He joined the team late Friday evening and had no time for practice; he was thrust into the match. This encounter marked his first T20 international match since July 2024, and he impressed everyone with his bowling, adopting the full-length deliveries akin to red-ball cricket, especially in the early overs of the game.

The story illustrates not only the unpredictable nature of team selections in cricket but also highlights Siraj's readiness to seize opportunities when they arise. His performance in the T20 World Cup could significantly influence his career trajectory, and it will be interesting to see how he capitalizes on this sudden chance to shine on the international stage.