“It was certainly a dream to play in the T20 World Cup” - Mohammed Siraj

Team India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has admitted that it was his dream to play in the 2021 T20 World Cup. He, however, asserted that his main goal remains to win as many matches for India as he can.

Siraj was not part of the 15-member India squad for T20 World Cup. India preferred to go in with the experienced pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Admitting that he was disappointed at not finding a place in the T20 World Cup squad, Siraj told Sportstar that he is focused on achieving his other goals. The Indian fast bowler said:

“Well, selection is not in our hands. It was certainly a dream to play in the T20 World Cup. But, again, that is not the end of it all. I have many more goals - the biggest being to play a lead role in helping the team to win matches.”

Sharing a philosophical view on missing out on the T20 World Cup, Siraj added:

“I will take things as they come for I believe in destiny and be content in whatever opportunities I get even as the pursuit for excellence at the highest level continues.”

Check out the T20 World Cup match list with downloadable pdf file.

The 27-year-old has made an impressive start to his Test career. He has claimed 30 wickets in nine matches and played a stellar role in India’s win at Lord’s with eight scalps.

Want to guide Hyderabad to a major title triumph: Mohammed Siraj

During the interview, Siraj confirmed that he would be available for Hyderabad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Siraj said of his ambitions for Hyderabad:

“It is one of my dreams to play a lead role in guiding the team to a major title triumph in domestic cricket. It was disappointing that we are not in the Elite Group of Ranji Trophy too. So, I want to give more than 100 percent and help my team script a few big wins.”

He also termed Hanuma Vihari’s return to Hyderabad "very good news."

Siraj will next be seen in action for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the second half of IPL 2021. The pacer picked up six wickets in seven games in the India leg of the event.