Siraj drops Madrid trip to rejoin India squad
Mohammed Siraj cut short his planned visit to Madrid and returned to Mumbai after answering Suryakumar Yadav’s call to rejoin the Indian squad during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The fast bowler changed his travel plans earlier this week, prioritising national duty over a personal visit to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu.
Siraj had been on a short break when India’s team management sought additional pace options following concerns over workload and fitness in the bowling group. “When the team needs you, there is no second thought,” Siraj told close associates, underlining his readiness to step in at short notice.
A senior BCCI official confirmed the move, saying, “Siraj was always in contention and he made himself available immediately.” Team insiders added that his recent form and familiarity with conditions made the decision straightforward.
Suryakumar welcomed the bowler’s return, noting, “Having Siraj back gives us balance and intensity.” For Siraj, the choice was simple — Madrid could wait, but India could not.