'Heading into this game, finding that flow was my primary goal' - Mohammed Siraj explains reason behind Duleep Trophy appearance

Mohammed Siraj took a two-month break after the Afghanistan Test ended on June 8, before the Sri Lanka tour began on August 7. During the Sri Lanka series, the India pacer bowled 44 overs across four innings but struggled with his pace, which dropped to the late 120s compared to his regular early-to-mid 140s. He managed to pick up just four wickets. The challenge of returning to international cricket after such a lengthy gap became evident during the tour.

Siraj featured in the Duleep Trophy final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from September 6 to 10, 2026, representing South Zone against East Zone. In the match, he bowled 41 overs and picked up just one wicket. In the first innings, he conceded 140 runs in 25 overs without taking a wicket, though he claimed a wicket in the second innings. Speaking about his performance and the reasons behind his participation in the domestic tournament, Siraj explained the impact of his extended break on his bowling.

Siraj described how his extended absence from competitive cricket disrupted his natural bowling rhythm and technical execution. The pacer emphasised that his ability to perform at the highest level depends entirely on finding his flow and maintaining consistency in his run-up and stride pattern.

"Coming off a two-month break straight into a match, my rhythm wasn't quite there. I'm purely a rhythm bowler. If I'm not in sync, I simply can't explode through the crease," Siraj told select media after the Duleep Trophy final.

"That was the struggle in Sri Lanka; my run-up felt disjointed. Some strides were too short, others were too long, and that broke my flow and cost me pace," he added.

Siraj opined that the 41 overs he bowled in the Duleep Trophy final have readied him to take on the rigours of international cricket this season.

"Out here, everything clicked into place, and the pace followed naturally. Yes, it was very tough. We came straight from Sri Lanka, where we spent three and a half days fielding in the second Test (at Colombo), and within a week, we were out here playing in Chennai's sweltering heat," Siraj said.

"But for me, it comes down to passion. When you're representing your country, you can't make excuses. You have to give every ounce of effort for your team and nation," he added.

How the Duleep Trophy final helped Siraj regain his flow

Siraj isn't too bothered by his dismal performance in the final. Instead, he believes that the hard work he put in across five days will help him at the international arena.

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"Even if I didn't get the wickets to show for it today, that hard work will pay off at the international level," Siraj said.