Overview
- Speaking on January 4, AB de Villiers said Mohammed Siraj is "one of the unlucky guys to miss out" from India's T20 World Cup 2026 squad.
- De Villiers cited a spin-led plan and team balance, pointing to Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy alongside pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, who adds batting utility.
- He noted that Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube can provide additional pace overs to support the frontline quicks.
- Siraj has 14 wickets in 16 T20Is and has not featured in the format since July 2024, though he was recalled for the January ODI series against New Zealand.
- India's squad, captained by Suryakumar Yadav with Axar Patel as vice-captain, begins its campaign against the USA in Mumbai on February 7 after the roster was confirmed in December.