3 min learnMumbaiFeb 8, 2026 12:24 AM IST
Mohammad Siraj had deliberate to be in Madrid on February 15 to observe his favorite Actual Madrid’s sport in La Liga. As a substitute, a telephone name from Suryakumar Yadav modified all the pieces.
“Once I was on the flight to right here, I felt it was a dream,” Siraj recalled, his voice nonetheless carrying traces of disbelief. “I assumed I wouldn’t be a part of the World Cup. I used to be spending time with household. Abruptly, Surya referred to as and mentioned, ‘Miyan, prepared ho ja, bag pack kar le.’ I informed him, ‘Mazaak mat karo’ (don’t joke with me). However God is nice.”
For the Indian quick bowler, feelings ran excessive on the opening day on the Wankhede as he completed with figures of three/29. “To play in a World Cup is huge,” he says merely, although the magnitude of the second is written throughout his face.
Siraj knew the problem that awaited him. “I knew it wasn’t simple to hit in opposition to the brand new ball, and that’s what occurred,” he displays.
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The morning had introduced surprising information as Siraj needed to step in for an unwell Jasprit Bumrah. “First, I didn’t know I might be taking part in. When the message got here within the morning yesterday that I might be taking part in, I used to be completely satisfied.”
As for his authentic plans? Siraj grins. “My plan was to see the Actual Madrid sport on the fifteenth. There was Ramzan additionally. However God’s will—no matter will occur, will occur.”
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However happiness didn’t imply complacency. “I watched video plans after coming at 3 pm. With out correct preparation, you can’t play in a giant sport. This can be a World Cup.”
Regardless of the dream-like circumstances of his choice, his preparation remained meticulous. “Since I’ve been recurrently taking part in, I knew what to do. That was the thought final evening additionally—bowl this line and size.” The pitch circumstances turned clear early. “When Ishan was taking part in, he mentioned it’s a two-paced pitch, and we felt 170 was a very good rating. That proved to be proper.”
The Surya present
What strikes you most about Siraj’s recollection is the composure within the dressing room. “We had been calm as a result of Surya was taking part in. He is aware of this pitch, and it was as if he was saying, ‘I’m right here, don’t fear’. We have now had success with this model of play for a very long time. That’s what I used to be pondering within the dressing room—no panic. Everybody was calm. I’m so completely satisfied to be a part of this dressing room.”
Bowling to Suryakumar Yadav within the nets? “It’s powerful,” Siraj admits with amusing. “He’s instinctive and sees how fields are set and performs accordingly—performs some unplayable pictures. The way in which he remained calm after early wickets, hats off to him. This isn’t a bilateral collection, this can be a World Cup.”