Mohammed Siraj rested as India make surprise T20I squad change

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Mohammed Siraj rested as India make surprise T20I squad change
  • Mohammed Siraj rested ahead of Ireland and England T20Is
  • India make pace bowling change before busy international schedule
  • BCCI cites workload management as reason for decision

India have opted to freshen up their pace resources ahead of a packed international calendar, with Prasidh Krishna replacing Mohammed Siraj in the T20I squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England.

The decision comes as part of a workload management plan for Siraj, who has been one of India’s busiest fast bowlers across formats in recent months. The move will help ensure the seamer remains fully prepared for the demanding season that lies ahead.

BCCI explains decision to rest Siraj

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India explained the reasoning behind the change.

“Following discussions between the BCCI Medical Team and the Team Management, Siraj has been advised a period of rest as part of his workload management programme.”

The board added:

“The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure adequate recovery ahead of a long international season.”

Read more: 3 highest bowling averages in T20 tournament history

Prasidh Krishna returns to India’s T20I plans

Prasidh Krishna has earned a recall to India’s T20I squad after selectors opted to rest Siraj. The fast bowler returns to the format for the first time since November 2023. He will have an opportunity to strengthen his case ahead of a busy period of international cricket.

Krishna is already part of India’s squad for the upcoming three match ODI series against Afghanistan and recently featured alongside Siraj in the one off Test victory over Afghanistan in New Chandigarh.

Opportunity opens up in India’s pace attack

The change opens the door for a fresh face to step into India’s T20I set up as the selectors look to balance player welfare with squad depth.

India’s management have increasingly prioritised workload monitoring for their all format stars. This has been emphasised with a particularly demanding run of fixtures on the horizon.

Mohammed Siraj rested ahead of busy international calendar

India omitted Siraj from the squad for the upcoming three match ODI series against Afghanistan and have now also rested him for the T20I assignments against Ireland and England.

Siraj recently played in India’s one off Test victory over Afghanistan in New Chandigarh and has shouldered a heavy workload across all formats over the past year.

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Strong domestic and IPL performances rewarded

The squad adjustment comes after another busy IPL campaign. Siraj featured in 17 matches for Gujarat Titans during the 2026 season, while his replacement played a key role in the franchise’s run to the final after appearing in 12 games.

The move reflects India’s desire to maintain a deep pool of fast bowling options as they prepare for a lengthy stretch of international cricket.

Packed schedule awaits India

India’s white ball commitments continue to pile up over the coming months. After the T20I series in Ireland and England, the team will remain in England for a one day international series before embarking on further tours of Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

The Ireland leg features two T20 internationals in Belfast on June 26 and June 28. India will then travel to England for a five match T20I series running from July 1 to July 11.

India T20I squad for Ireland and England

Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma (vice captain), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

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Aaron McNicholas is the editor and a writer for ReadCricket. With several years of experience in sports journalism, he has contributed to organisations including Cricket Ireland, England Handball, Cricket World and Golf Today. A self-described inconsistent, loopy, leg spinner, Aaron has enjoyed far greater success writing about the game than playing it. Today, he specialises in cricket journalism, combining insight with a deep passion for the sport. Away from the keyboard, Aaron is often found behind the lens of a camera, capturing moments in Sport and wildlife photography.

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