Was a dream to play in T20 World Cup, but selection is not in our hands: Mohammed Siraj

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj truly had a Test series to remember against England. He was played in all four Tests. The right-pacer picked up 14 wickets and supported lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah ably. On being quizzed about his successful England trip, Siraj termed the experience as a great one and felt extremely happy in delivering the goods for Indian skipper Virat Kohli.

While many speculated that due to his stupendous rise in cricket, he would be an automatic choice for India during the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. That was not to be as Siraj could not find a place in the 15-member squad announced by the BCCI selection committee.

The pacer felt disappointed about not being in the team for the global event but also said the selection was not on his hands. “The England tour was a great experience by any stretch of the imagination. I am glad that I could repose the faith of my captain Virat bhai, head coach Ravi Shastri, the support staff, and the entire team,” the 27-year-old told Sportstar on Thursday.

“Well, the 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,” said Siraj.

I will take things as they come: Mohammed Siraj

Siraj also has great belief in his abilities and termed he will always try to do his best for the team, whenever the opportunity presents itself.

“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,” he added.

Siraj is currently in the UAE for the upcoming 14th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He will yet again don the role of the lead pacer for his team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The pacer had a good first of the IPL, wherein he managed to restrict the opposition team by picking up regular wickets and also keeping the batters under a tight leash. Siraj will look to keep the same form during the remainder of the season for RCB.