Irfan Pathan claims Jasprit Bumrah suppresses Mohammed Siraj’s best

Mohammed Siraj makes a brilliant comeback in the T20 World Cup: India completed a 29-run victory against the USA in their opening game of the 2026 T20 World Cup on Saturday, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Despite a batting collapse, with the help of Suryakumar Yadav’s 84*, India secured a total of 161 in their 20 overs.

This total was enough to defend as the Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh demolished the top order of the USA, with the former picking two early wickets with the new ball. Siraj, who came in as a replacement for Harshit Rana, who has been ruled out after picking up an injury during the warm-up match against South Africa.

USA batters had no answer to Mohammed Siraj

Siraj made a sensational comeback to the shortest format of the game after July 2024. He picked up three wickets for 29 runs in his four overs. The Indian speedster has been brilliant whenever given a chance, and he also spearheaded the attack in England as well. Former T20 World Cup winner Irfan Pathan came to his praise.

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While speaking on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan said, “When Bumrah is not playing, Siraj is completely different. Mohammed Siraj’s record with and without Bumrah is on a different level. The way he took three wickets was outstanding. I was very clear about who should get the new ball. I had even mentioned in commentary before he came on that Mohammed Siraj should have the new ball.”

“When he got the new ball, he got hit for a six, adjusted his lengths, and took wickets. The wicket of Gous was particularly crucial because if he had stayed at the crease, playing aggressively for three to four overs, he could have taken the game away. Gous is the kind of player who plays at a very high strike rate, and Siraj managed to dismiss him. After that, he took another wicket with his swinging deliveries.”

'You didn’t see fancy slower balls'- Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan also pointed out that Siraj did not try any variations with the ball. Irfan said, “You didn’t see fancy slower balls or lots of yorkers and bouncers. He bowled the way he always does, with the new ball, and took wickets. Two early wickets, and then later even used yorkers to finish the match.”

Irfan concluded, saying, “Overall, Mohammed Siraj’s comeback and the way he bowled show that a true fighter with a big heart can always come back even after setbacks. He waits for his opportunity and makes the most of it. This was a big opportunity, and Mohammed Siraj made a huge contribution.”

What will be India's pace combination next game?

However, the 31-year-old pacer might not feature in the next game against Namibia if Jasprit Bumrah returns to the side, who missed out on the opening game due to a viral fever.

Arshdeep Singh and Bumrah are the two frontline pacers India will go forward with in the upcoming games of the competition. India will be facing Namibia on 12th February at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.

Also Read: Mohammed Siraj claims replacing Harshit Rana for T20 World Cup 2026 felt like a 'joke'