Mohammed Siraj's Unbelievable Journey: From Madrid Dreams to World Cup Reality
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj had his February calendar meticulously planned. On the 15th, he was scheduled to be in Spain, watching his beloved Real Madrid compete in a La Liga football match. Instead, destiny had a different script written, one that would see him representing India on cricket's grandest stage.
The Life-Changing Phone Call
A phone call from Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav turned everything upside down. "When I was on the flight to here, I felt it was a dream," Siraj recalled, his voice still carrying traces of disbelief. "I thought I wouldn't be part of the World Cup. I was spending quality time with my family when suddenly, Surya called and said, 'Miyan, ready ho ja, bag pack kar le.' I told him, 'Mazaak mat karo' (don't joke with me). But God is great."
The call came as Siraj was preparing to step in for an unwell Jasprit Bumrah, creating an unexpected opportunity that would define his career. "First, I didn't know I would be playing," Siraj admitted. "When the message came in the morning yesterday that I would be playing, I was overwhelmed with happiness."
From Spectator to Match-Winner
On the opening day at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium, emotions ran high for the pace bowler. Siraj finished with impressive figures of 3/29, playing a crucial role in India's victory. "To play in a World Cup is big," he said simply, though the magnitude of the moment was evident in his expression.
Despite the dream-like circumstances of his selection, Siraj's preparation remained meticulous. "I watched video plans after coming at 3 pm," he revealed. "Without proper preparation, you cannot play in a big game. This is a World Cup, after all."
The bowler understood the challenge that awaited him. "I knew it wasn't easy to hit against the new ball, and that's what happened," he reflected on his successful strategy.
Sacrificing Personal Plans for National Duty
When asked about his original Madrid plans, Siraj grinned. "My plan was to see the Real Madrid game on the 15th. There was Ramzan also. But God's will—whatever will happen, will happen." The timing coincided with the holy month of Ramadan, adding another layer to his personal sacrifice for national duty.
His happiness, however, didn't translate to complacency. "Since I've been regularly playing, I knew what to do," Siraj explained. "That was the thought last night also—bowl this line and length."
Team Dynamics and Pitch Intelligence
The pitch conditions became clear early in the match. "When Ishan was playing, he said it's a two-paced pitch, and we felt 170 was a good score," Siraj noted. "That proved to be right."
What stands out most in Siraj's recollection is the composure in the dressing room. "We were calm because Surya was playing," he emphasized. "He knows this pitch, and it was as if he was saying, 'I am here, don't worry.' We have had success with this style of play for a long time. That's what I was thinking in the dressing room—no panic. Everyone was calm. I'm so happy to be part of this dressing room."
Facing Suryakumar Yadav in Practice
When asked about bowling to captain Suryakumar Yadav in the nets, Siraj admitted with a laugh: "It's tough. He's instinctive and sees how fields are set and plays accordingly—plays some unplayable shots. The way he remained calm after early wickets, hats off to him. This is not a bilateral series, this is a World Cup."
The entire experience has been surreal for the pace bowler, who went from making travel arrangements to Spain to delivering a match-winning performance on cricket's biggest stage. His story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports and the importance of being prepared when opportunity knocks unexpectedly.
