Indian pace bowler Mohammed Siraj has expressed disappointment over his omission from India's squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021 to be played in the UAE and Oman in October-November.
Siraj failed to make it India’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2021 despite being in great form with the ball lately, as the national selectors picked only three pace bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
The pacer was dejected that he couldn’t make it to the T20 World Cup 2021 squad as playing in the multi-nation tournament was a big dream for him but said the selection wasn’t in his hands.
Siraj told Sportstar: “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.”
Read Also: Make KL Rahul India's T20I vice-captain, groom him as next skipper: Sunil Gavaskar
He added, “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.”
Indian pacer said the recently-concluded Test tour of England was a “great experience” for him and he was happy to be able to live up to the expectations of his captain Virat Kohli. He has managed 14 wickets in 4 Tests against England to take his tally to 30 wickets in nine Tests so far.
The 27-year-old further added, “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.”
He further said bowling along with the likes of pace stalwarts Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah was a great experience in England.
He continued, “Definitely, bowling in tandem with big names like Shami Bhai, Ishant Bhai, and Jasprit (Bumrah) Bhai is a huge learning curve for me. They were so supportive and always came up with invaluable tips to keep improving my bowling.”
Revealing Kohli’s advice ahead of the England series, Siraj said: “We know that you are really good with your in-swingers. But to keep the batsmen guessing, you should be equally good with the out-swingers.' That's what I have been working really hard (on) and immensely pleased with the Lord's spell.”
He concluded, “We were confident, though not complacent. This team is on a high after the memorable series win in Australia. It is a team with complete balance in all departments. And, personally, for me, it is a joy to be part of such a unit led by such an inspirational leader like Virat Bhai.”
(With IANS Inputs)
