Frontline India pacer Mohammed Siraj, who has been out of the T20I picture for over a year, delivered a stunning reminder of his skills in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT 2025). Playing for Hyderabad against Mumbai on December 12, Siraj returned with an exceptional spell of 3/21 in 3.5 overs, operating at an economy under six.
Siraj triggered Mumbai’s collapse in the 17th over, taking two wickets in two balls—first dismissing PBKS youngster Suryansh Shedge, then trapping veteran all-rounder Shardul Thakur for a golden duck. He later removed Tanush Kotian in the 19th over to seal Mumbai’s fate, bowling them out for just 131.
Hyderabad chased the target with ease, winning by nine wickets with 49 balls to spare, earning Siraj the Player of the Match award.
Siraj Misses Hattrick Due to Partial DRS System
The match also witnessed unusual scenes due to partial DRS implementation. While the BCCI introduced DRS for the Super League stage, it lacked ball-tracking technology.
On his hat-trick ball, Siraj trapped a Mumbai batter LBW. Hyderabad reviewed the not-out call, but without ball-tracking, the third umpire had to rely solely on slo-mo replays—ultimately upholding the on-field decision and denying Siraj a hat-trick.
Will Siraj Feature in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad?
Siraj last played a T20I for India in July 2024, shortly after India’s T20 World Cup triumph.
Despite his impactful SMAT performance and proven big-match pedigree, sources indicate that an immediate T20I comeback appears unlikely, with the World Cup starting on February 7, 2026—leaving little time for last-minute changes.
However, Siraj remains a key figure in India’s Test and ODI plans, with major roles expected in the 2027 ODI World Cup and the WTC 2027 cycle.
