A poll asked whether Siraj should be prioritized for Tests over T20Is due to workload concerns. Responses varied on the importance of each format.
Mohammed Siraj’s selection for India’s T20I series against Ireland and England surprised many observers. T20 internationals had not been central to his role for some time. After the T20 World Cup win in June 2024, he played only one bilateral T20I series against Sri Lanka. At the 2026 T20 World Cup, he appeared in just one match when Jasprit Bumrah was rested. His inclusion followed an injury to another player.
In ODIs, Siraj had also seen fewer opportunities. Since the 2023 World Cup, he featured in nine of 23 matches, missed the Champions Trophy squad, and watched others advance. His recalls for the Australia series in 2025 and New Zealand ODIs in January were mainly due to Bumrah’s absence. When Bumrah returned for the South Africa series, Siraj was again left out.
It became evident that Siraj’s white-ball chances depended largely on Bumrah’s schedule rather than long-term preference. With Bumrah rested for the England and Ireland T20Is, Siraj’s initial inclusion fit the pattern. His later withdrawal, replaced by Prasidh Krishna under a workload management programme, raised questions.
Observers wondered why a bowler with limited recent T20I involvement suddenly required rest. The explanation lies in his Test cricket role. While his white-ball participation declined, Siraj became India’s primary fast bowler in Tests, playing through injuries and rotations of others.
Over three years, this made him the busiest fast bowler globally. Since January 2023, he has bowled 1,231 overs across formats and the IPL, more than any other fast bowler. Only Ravindra Jadeja exceeded that total. Most came in Tests: 744 overs in 30 matches, about 25 overs per Test. T20Is accounted for just 30 overs in nine matches.
India played 33 Tests since 2023, with Siraj in 30, a 91 percent participation rate. Bumrah played two-thirds. During the 2025 England tour, Siraj was the only seamer in all five Tests, bowling 185 overs and leading the wicket-takers.
This context frames recent decisions beyond T20Is. A demanding schedule lies ahead with 17 ODIs and 10 Tests ahead of the 2027 World Cup. India appears to recognize Siraj’s growing importance at age 32 and is using the current window for rest.
Ironically, while debates focused on Siraj becoming a one-format bowler, data shows he became indispensable in Tests. As workload management centered on Bumrah, Siraj carried much of the load for three years as India’s workhorse.
