‘Bhai, Mazaak Mat Karo’: Mohammed Siraj on How Suryakumar Yadav’s T20 World Cup Call Derailed His Real Madrid Plans

Mohammed Siraj Stunned by Last-Minute T20 World Cup Call, Delivers Match-Winning Spell vs USA

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj revealed that he was left completely stunned after receiving a surprise phone call from India’s T20 World Cup captain Suryakumar Yadav, informing him of a last-minute call-up to the squad.

Siraj, who was drafted into the team following Harshit Rana’s injury, justified the team management’s decision with an impressive performance in India’s tournament opener against the USA. Making an immediate impact, the pacer returned figures of 3/29, showing no signs of rust despite joining the squad at the eleventh hour.

Handed a spot straight into the playing XI after Jasprit Bumrah missed the match due to illness, Siraj struck early to disrupt the USA’s chase, underlining his reputation as a player always ready to step up when called upon.

‘Bhai, Mazaak Mat Karo’: Siraj on Surya’s Call

Recounting the dramatic moments behind his sudden inclusion, Siraj admitted he initially thought Suryakumar Yadav was joking when asked to pack his bags and report immediately.

“Surya bhai told me to pack my bags and come, but I replied saying, ‘Bhai, mazaak mat karo, yeh hone wala nahi hai.’ He insisted it was true and asked me to get ready,” Siraj said during the post-match presentation.

The reality of the situation only sank in after a follow-up call from selector Pragyan Ojha confirmed his place in the squad. “Whatever the almighty has written, no one can change that,” an emotional Siraj added.

Real Madrid Plans Cancelled as World Cup Dream Returns

Siraj also revealed that he had already made personal plans for February after playing two Ranji Trophy matches for Hyderabad. The pacer had intended to travel to watch a Real Madrid match on February 15 before observing Ramzan.

“There was a Real Madrid game on the 15th that I planned to watch. After that, Ramzan. But again, whatever the almighty has written,” Siraj said.

He also shared a message exchange with India’s strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, where he had asked for rest after the domestic season, believing his international commitments were done for the time being.

‘I Never Expected to Play the World Cup’

Reflecting on his late entry into the squad, Siraj admitted the entire experience felt surreal. Boarding the flight to join the team, he said he had never imagined he would be part of the T20 World Cup setup.

“For the last one year, planning was going on for players who were expected to play. Since I hadn’t featured in T20Is, I had accepted that I wouldn’t be part of the World Cup,” Siraj said.

His match-winning spell against the USA, however, proved that opportunity and preparation often meet in the most unexpected ways — and Siraj was ready when it mattered most.