When Mohammed Siraj was selected for India’s T20I squads against Ireland and England, the choice surprised some observers. T20 internationals have not been his main format lately. Since the 2024 T20 World Cup win, he had played just one bilateral T20I series and one match in the 2026 edition. In ODIs, he has also lost automatic selection, often returning only when Jasprit Bumrah was unavailable. Days after his inclusion, Siraj was withdrawn from the T20I squads for workload management, with Prasidh Krishna replacing him. The move raised questions about why a bowler outside regular white-ball plans needed rest. The reason lies in his Test cricket role. Siraj has become India’s most used fast bowler, bowling 1,231 overs in international matches and the IPL since January 2023, the highest among pace bowlers worldwide. He delivered 744 Test overs in 30 matches, nearly 60 percent of his total load. He played 30 of India’s 33 Tests in that period. While Bumrah’s schedule is managed for key events, Siraj has shouldered extra duties. He played all five Tests on the 2025 England tour, bowling 185 overs and taking the most wickets. The T20I withdrawal allows rest ahead of a busy Test schedule, ODIs, and 2027 World Cup preparations. Data shows Siraj has grown essential in red-ball cricket rather than becoming a fringe player.
