India pacer Mohammed Siraj said he had absolute clarity about his preparation for the shortest format as he returned to T20Is after June 2024, stressing that sticking to his Ranji Trophy lines and lengths was key to his success against the USA in the T20 World Cup opener.
Drafted into the squad as a last-minute replacement for injured Harshit Rana, Siraj made an immediate impact, picking up 3 for 29 as India sealed a 29-run win at the Wankhede Stadium. The seamer, who had not been part of India’s World Cup build-up, was added straight into the playing XI for the opening fixture.
‘Stick to wicket-to-wicket’: Mohammed Siraj explains his simple plan
“The emotions are always there. Playing a World Cup is a different dream altogether,” Siraj told reporters after the match. “I was coming off the Ranji Trophy, so my line and lengths were clear. It wasn’t easy to hit the new ball, so sticking to wicket-to-wicket bowling was important. If you get wickets, it helps the team, that was the plan.”
Siraj admitted he did not expect to feature in the playing XI immediately after joining the squad. However, his recent experience of captaining Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy helped him stay composed under pressure.
“I didn’t even know I would play. I was happy just being called up. I found out in the morning that I was in the XI, and I had only arrived the previous day,” he said. “Captaining in Ranji helped me stay calm. I was focused on how to put pressure on the batters and attack.”
Despite the short turnaround, Siraj ensured he was fully prepared. “I reached around 3 pm and watched videos. You cannot take the field without preparation, it’s a World Cup after all,” he added.
The pacer also revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo's wallpaper is on his phone. A famously quote shared during India’s England tour is still there, saying mental readiness plays a huge role in big tournaments.
“The wallpaper is still the same. You have to be mentally strong, especially in a World Cup. I am nearly 10 years into international cricket, so when you get an opportunity, you don’t need much time,” Siraj said. “I know how to prepare for this format and what mindset to keep.”
Reflecting on the match situation, Siraj described the wicket as two-paced, especially as India slipped to 77 for 6 in the first innings. However, the dressing room remained calm, largely due to skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s presence at the crease.
Also Read: ‘We could have been smarter’: Suryakumar Yadav’s honest verdict after gritty win over USA
“We thought 170 would be a very good score. There wasn’t much dew, and taking wickets in the power play was the key,” he said. “Arshdeep bowled brilliantly and built pressure.”
Siraj credited Suryakumar’s match-winning 84 not out for keeping nerves in check. “Surya said, ‘I am here, don’t worry.’ He knows the wicket and plays on instinct. In a World Cup, to bat like that after early wickets, hats off to him.”
Siraj also confirmed that opener Abhishek Sharma spent limited time on the field due to a stomach issue. “He had a little tummy upset, but I’m sure he’ll show his magic in the next match,” he added.
