Former India player Cheteshwar Pujara praised Mohammed Siraj for his energetic bowling spell in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against the United States of America (USA). He said it is not easy for any player to be called into the squad just two days before a big match.

India scored 161/9 after being asked to bat first in the Group A match in Mumbai on Saturday, February 7. Siraj then bowled an impressive spell of 3/29 in four overs. His effort helped the defending champions restrict USA to 132/8 and secure a 29-run win.

Speaking on Star Sports, Pujara shared his thoughts on Siraj’s performance after he was named as an injury replacement for Harshit Rana.

“He comes with a lot of energy. On the field, he never lacks intensity, no matter which format he plays. Watching him bowl, it did not look like he had been away from T20 cricket for a long time. He is always ready. Whenever he gets a chance, he gives his full effort for the team,” Pujara said.

Also read -Pakistan to overturn their forfeit stance vs India in T20 World Cup 2026: Reports

Pujara Praises Siraj’s Energy and Team Impact

Cheteshwar Pujara said Mohammed Siraj also plays an important role in keeping the dressing room atmosphere positive. He added that Siraj is a key player for India and praised his mindset after getting a sudden call-up.

“It is not easy for any player when you get a sudden call and have to play a match after two days. Despite that, the way he performed yesterday was impressive. Going forward, there will be big expectations from him in this World Cup,” Pujara said.

Siraj made an early impact by dismissing Andries Gous (6 off 9), who was caught by Tilak Varma at point on his fourth ball. In his next over, he removed Saiteja Mukkamalla (2 off 7), caught by Varun Chakaravarthy at midwicket. He completed his three-wicket haul by trapping Shubham Ranjane (37 off 22) lbw with his final delivery.

DSP Siraj Saving India from Humiliation he took 2 wickets in the powerplay itself 🔥

- Giving Tight slap on the face of those who called him ineffective with the new ball pic.twitter.com/cTxw3qH8xr

— Ironix (@IronixSays) February 7, 2026

Pujara Lauds Suryakumar Yadav’s Captain’s Knock

In the same interaction, Pujara also spoke about Suryakumar Yadav’s knock when India were under pressure against the USA.

“The first three or four overs went well, but after six wickets fell, the way Suryakumar Yadav batted was outstanding. He used the crease very well. We know he is a 360-degree player, and he showed that under pressure. I think he is one of the best T20 players,” Pujara said.

The former Indian batter added that Suryakumar played a true captain’s knock and felt the Indian skipper would have a strong tournament.

“His form was slightly off for a while, but recently he has been batting very well. He carried that form into this World Cup. In the very first match, he showed why he is the captain and why expectations are so high. I am sure this T20 World Cup will go very well for him,” Pujara added.

Suryakumar Yadav remained unbeaten on 84 off 49 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes. His innings helped India reach a defendable total after they were struggling at 77/6.

Gurugram Thunders are set to face Rajasthan Lions in Match No. 10 of the World Legends Pro T20 League 2026 on January 31 at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Goa. The Thunders have managed just one victory from their three matches so far. After opening the tournament with two consecutive losses, they produced a strong comeback in their previous game. That win has lifted team morale, and they will be keen to build on the momentum and climb up the points table with another positive result.

Eoin Morgan led Rajasthan Lions, meanwhile, have enjoyed a slightly better run, registering two wins from their three outings in the tournament. Despite showing promise, their campaign has been inconsistent, with performances fluctuating from match to match. The Lions will be eager to find stability, regain confidence, and string together strong performances as the league progresses. A win in this fixture would significantly boost their chances of staying in contention for a spot in the finals and strengthen their position in the standings.

See Also: Monank Patel led USA announce squad for T20 World Cup 2026

WLP T20 League 2026, Match 10, GT vs RL: Live Streaming Details

WLP T20 League 2026, Match 10, GT vs RL: Probable Playing XI

Gurugram Thunders:

Cheteshwar Pujara, Phil Mustard (WK), Jermaine Blackwood, Colin de Grandhomme, Thisara Perera (C), Chirag Gandhi, S Sreesanth, Rayad Emrit, Akshay Wakhare, Stuart Broad, Saurin Thakar

Rajasthan Lions:

Eoin Morgan (C), Naman Ojha (WK), Callum Ferguson, Jean-Paul Duminy, Ben Cutting, Angelo Perera, Abhimanyu Mithun, Jesal Karia, Bipul Sharma, Anureet Singh, Shadab Jakati

The inaugural World Legends Pro T20 League, featuring retired cricket legends, will commence on Monday, January 26, and will take place at the newly renovated 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Goa until February 4, 2026. This event is an exciting addition to the franchise-based cricket world and promises to be filled with action, fast-paced entertainment, and nostalgia all within the span of ten days. With only one stadium and only ten days available to showcase the 18 matches scheduled, the league is designed to provide fans with non-stop cricketing excitement.

The first edition will feature six franchises; Rajasthan Lions, Delhi Warriors, Pune Panthers, Dubai Royals, Gurugram Thunders, and Maharashtra Tycoons. All these teams will be competing for the first-ever title. Each franchise has a captain from the elite ranks of cricket history, plus a mixture of renowned international stars and highly regarded former Indian players.. A total of over 90 legendary cricketers will be part of the history making event. Notable names of players expected to headline the event are Chris Gayle, Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik, Kieron Pollard, Harbhajan Singh, Dale Steyn and Eoin Morgan.

See Also: Watch: Gautam Gambhir visits Kamakhya Temple ahead of IND vs NZ 3rd T20I in Guwahati

Throughout the league stage of competition, each individual team will compete against each other once (in a single match); all teams will then proceed into the round-robin stage, where they will compete against all other teams in the league stage once again for a chance at advancing into the semi-finals. After all the rounds are completed and all matches have taken place, the top-four finishing teams on the points table will move onwards to play two semi-final matches; those matches will be held on 03 February 2023; the overall winners of both semi-finals will be the competitors who advance to the Grand Final match (which is also set for 04 February 2023); as well as the overall winner being determined by net run rate should both teams tie. Michael Clarke, the Commissioner of the league and former captain of the Australian national team, recently expressed how excited he is about this year's league and the thrill of watching legendary players compete again.

World Legends Pro T20 League 2026 Schedule

The 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup began on January 15 with a match between India and USA. A total of 16 teams are taking part in the tournament, which is being played in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The event features some of the best young cricket talents from around the world.

India are the most successful team in Under-19 World Cup history, having won the title five times. Many fans will remember Prithvi Shaw, who led India to victory in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup. Before that, in 2008, a young Indian team led by Virat Kohli won the trophy in Malaysia.

Several current Indian stars first made their mark at the Under-19 World Cup. Players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Abhishek Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Kuldeep Yadav announced their arrival on the big stage through this tournament.

While most fans remember these well-known names, here is a list of five Indian players you may not know who also once represented India in the Under-19 World Cup.

Also read -BPL 2025-26 postponed indefinitely after player boycott

1. Arshdeep Singh

India’s highest wicket-taker in T20I cricket, Arshdeep Singh, was part of India’s Under-19 World Cup–winning team in 2018. The team was led by Prithvi Shaw, and the tournament was held in New Zealand.

Arshdeep played two matches in the competition and took three wickets. He bowled with great control and had an economy rate of just two runs per over. At the time, most of the attention was on fast bowlers Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi, who regularly touched 140 kmph, but Arshdeep was also part of the same strong pace group.

2. Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer represented India in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2014, which was hosted by the UAE. India finished fifth, while South Africa won the tournament.

Iyer played three matches and scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 105.22. The spotlight was mainly on players like Sanju Samson, Kuldeep Yadav, Sarfaraz Khan, and Deepak Hooda, but Iyer made good use of his chances. He is now the vice-captain of India’s ODI team.

3. KL Rahul

KL Rahul, who is now known for handling pressure at the senior level, played in the Under-19 World Cup 2010. He batted at number three for India.

The team was led by Ashok Menaria, with Akshath Reddy and Mayank Agarwal opening the batting. India finished sixth after losing to South Africa in the fifth-place play-off. Rahul scored 143 runs in six innings at a strike rate of under 70.

4. Cheteshwar Pujara

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara was the backbone of the Test team for many years. While he is known as a red-ball specialist, not many fans know that he was the top scorer in the Under-19 World Cup 2006.

Pujara scored 349 runs in six matches, averaging 116.33 with a strike rate of 82.11. Despite such a strong record at the youth level, he played only five ODIs for India in his senior career.

5. Stuart Binny

Stuart Binny, who once held the record for the best bowling figures by an Indian in ODIs, played in the Under-19 World Cup 2002.

The pace-bowling all-rounder featured in six matches, scoring 34 runs and taking four wickets. He made his senior India debut 12 years later and produced a memorable spell of 6/4 against Bangladesh in an ODI in 2014.

The talk of the town ahead of the two-match Test series between India and South Africa was the exclusion of Mohammad Shami, who, despite the national side playing a Test match at his domestic ground, Eden Gardens in Kolkata, is still linked with Bengal for the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season. 

Mohammad Shami has already breathed fire in the event, but despite that, he has been overlooked by the BCCI selection committee and management in the longest format for nearly two years. He played his last Test match against Australia during the WTC 2021-23 final in South London. Now, Shami’s former team-mate, Cheteshwar Pujara, has sent a blunt message to the selectors ahead of the Protea series.

See Also: Hardik Pandya's comeback date revealed!! Star all-rounder to return to international cricket in this process

“Someone like Mohammed Shami should be having – I mean, the selectors and the team management should have a very honest conversation with him. What’s the plan going forward? Whether they want to pick him or whether they are looking at the young players.” Pujara expressed during an interaction on JioHotstar.

Cheteshwar Pujara reacts to Mohammad Shami’s exclusion from South Africa Test series

Shami has played 64 Test matches so far in his career, picking up 229 wickets at an average of around 28 and a strike rate of 50 with six five-wicket hauls. India’s captain, Shubman Gill, has also rated the 35-year-old as a quality bowler on the eve of the Kolkata Test, besides highlighting their wish to put weight on the youngsters.

“If he is being informed that they are not looking at him, then it is always Shami’s personal call whether he wants to carry on playing first-class cricket, whether he still wants to – I mean, he is part of the IPL as well. So, he would want to carry on playing cricket.” Pujara mentioned in the same interaction.

“There aren't many bowlers of his (Mohammed Shami’s) quality around. But you have to take into consideration the bowlers that are playing right now. They have done such a terrific job. You can't ignore the performances of someone like Akash Deep or someone like Prasidh.” Gill shed light in the press conference.

The Kolkata Knight Riders’ co-owner and the Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, has extended his support to the recently retired Indian player, Cheteshwar Pujara, during the latter’s serious knee injury in 2010, arranging for his surgery in Cape Town after the right-handed batter tore his cruciate ligament before featuring in a single game for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise. 

The injury occurred during a net session when Cheteshwar Pujara injured himself while attempting a catch, resulting in a ruptured ACL that derailed his career. Puja, wife of Pujara, looked back at the incident in her book, The Diary of a Cricketer’s Wife, where she recalled how SRK helped Pujara massively during that tough period.

See Also: [WATCH] Indian players celebrate Tilak Varma's birthday in dressing room post 2-1 series victory vs Australia

“Destiny impelled him to dash heedlessly to a ball for a catch that was never there; and the result: a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, an impending surgery, and a temporarily halted cricketing career — all without playing a single game for KKR.” She wrote in her book as the KKR franchise took the full responsibility for Pujara’s treatment.

Cheteshwar Pujara’s wife reveals story of how Shah Rukh Khan saved veteran’s career

Pujara retired from international cricket with 7195 runs in 176 innings at an average of 43.60 with the help of 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 206 runs. Pujara didn’t get a huge success in the IPL with 390 runs in 22 innings at 20.52 with a lone fifty.

“Shah Rukh also told me that Chintu had a great future ahead of him and should have the best available medical treatment. When he realised I was worried about the absence of a support system in South Africa and my faith in Dr Shah’s abilities, he offered to fly him and any family members I wanted with me.” Pujara’s wife addressed.

In that opening season of the IPL for Pujara in 2009/10, he drilled 122 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 106.08. Overall, he has clubbed 1556 runs in 63 T20 innings at a strike rate of 112.18 with nine fifties and one century.

The former Indian captain, Ajinkya Rahane, has called for changes in the selection of the selectors for the country’s domestic cricket. He recently stepped down from the Mumbai leadership ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season as Shardul Thakur got the responsibility.

Rahane demands the recently-retired Indian players to become selectors because of their known facts of the current state of the game. He suggested that this would help the players not to be scared of those entrusted to pick the best of them into the state teams.

See Also: [WATCH] Pat Cummins ignores Virat Kohli to pick his all-time AUS vs IND XI ahead of 2025 ODI series

“Players should not be scared of selectors. I want to talk about selectors, especially in domestic cricket. We should have selectors who have retired recently from playing top-flight cricket, those who have retired five-six years, seven-eight years ago. Because the way cricket is evolving, I think it’s very important that the mentality and mindset of the selectors match that and keep pace with the change.” Rahane expressed on his YouTube channel.

Ajinkya Rahane makes shocking statement on selectors appointment in India’s domestic cricket

Rahane made the comment with the recently retired Indian batter, Cheteshwar Pujara, who can’t apply for the job of selector till 2030, according to the current rules of the BCCI. The Saurashtra batter balanced his idea by stating that it shouldn’t mean that cricketers retired in the previous eras shouldn’t be considered at all.

“We don’t want to make decisions based on how cricket was played 20-30 years ago. With formats like T20 and the IPL, it’s important to understand the style of modern cricket players. I believe selectors should, wherever possible, be individuals from all states, and players should be on the ground playing with freedom, playing fearless cricket.” Rahane addressed in the video.

“In big states, this can be implemented because they have so many options. So, wherever possible, I do agree that it can be implemented, but that does mean that any past cricketer, who has got a great record and wants to be a selector now, should be deprived of the chance because he retired long back.” Cheteshwar Pujara added his view in the interaction.

India’s long-time number three batter of the longest format, Cheteshwar Pujara, announced his retirement from international cricket. He brought down the curtains on his career but kept himself available for selection during the next Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season for Saurashtra.

The right-handed batter finished his red-ball career as the eighth leading run-getter for the Blue Brigade. With 7195 runs in 176 innings at an average of 43.60 and a strike rate of nearly 51.25, thanks to 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 206 runs, Pujara finished ahead of Dilip Vengsarkar and just behind Sourav Ganguly. India’s PM Narendra Modi shared a special message on the batter.

See Also: Duleep Trophy 2025 Round 1: All Scores from Day 4

“I learnt about your decision to retire from all forms of cricket. Following the announcement, there has been an outpouring of appreciation from the fans and the cricketing fraternity about your remarkable achievements. I convey my heartiest congratulations and warmest greetings on a spectacular cricketing career.” PM Narendra Modi expressed in a letter.

PM Narendra Modi shares special message on Cheteshwar Pujara's international retirement

Pujara’s best contribution for the national side came during the BGT 2019/20 down under when he smashed over 500 runs to win the series by 2-1. His contribution with the bat at number three, in taking the shine off the new ball to make it easy for the middle order batters, was exceptional.

I was honoured to receive a letter of appreciation on my retirement from our Honourable Prime Minister. The warm sentiments expressed are much appreciated. While I venture into my second innings, I cherish every memory on the field, and all the love and appreciation I have… pic.twitter.com/s74fIYrboM

— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 31, 2025

“In an age dominated by shorter formats of cricket, you were a reminder of the beauty of the longer format of the game. Your unflappable temperament and ability to bat long hours with great concentration made you the fulcrum of the Indian batting line-up.” PM Narendra Modi expressed in the letter.

“I was honoured to receive a letter of appreciation on my retirement from our Honourable Prime Minister. The warm sentiments expressed are much appreciated. While I venture into my second innings, I cherish every memory on the field and all the love and appreciation I have received. Thank you, Sir.” Pujara wrote on his ‘X’ account (formerly known as Twitter).

Recently retired Indian top-order batter, Cheteshwar Pujara, has revealed that he knew that he wouldn’t get regular chances in various leagues around the world. This was the biggest reason why the Saurashtra batter was focused mostly on the longest format of the game.

Pujara has played 71 T20 games in his entire career, where he smashed 1556 runs at an average of just under 30 and a strike rate of 112.18 with nine half-centuries and the best score of an unbeaten century. His last IPL game came in 2014, in which season, he drilled 125 runs at a strike rate of 100.80.

See Also: [WATCH] Hardik Pandya to lead India in T20 World Cup 2026? Former CSK star drops bombshell

“Yeah, look, someone like me always didn’t have too many options if I had to continue playing Test cricket. I wanted my entire focus to be there, for Test cricket. And I didn’t want to shift my focus from Test cricket, into say T20 leagues or T20 format. I did that early in my career, where I tried my best. If I got an opportunity to be part of the IPL, the T20, or the ODI cricket, then I would be more than happy to do so.” Pujara expressed on ESPNcricinfo.

Watch: Cheteshwar Pujara reveals reasons for not being regular in T20 leagues

Pujara’s last T20 game came in 2022 against Mumbai when he added 12 runs in 10 balls, opening the batting. The veteran shed light on how he never tried range hitting in practice before Test matches.

'Knew I wouldn't get a chance in the T20 leagues'

Chetweshwar Pujara on why he never chased the shortest format 🗣️ #RockAndRollIt pic.twitter.com/NFenW4C1KX

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 30, 2025

“But in the last five to six years, I knew that I would just have to carry on to play Test cricket. I won’t get an opportunity to play white-ball cricket. So, I didn’t want to shift my focus and change my game just for white-ball cricket. It might affect Test cricket, and I didn’t want to sacrifice that.” The 37-year-old addressed.

“My priority was Test cricket, and I stuck to that. I did try range hitting in practice, but that was only before a T20 game for Saurashtra or when I played white-ball cricket for Sussex. It was purely for the ODI or the T20 preparation. I never did that for Test cricket when I practiced for Test, I never tried too many shots. Maybe against spinners, I did.” The Saurashtra-born added.

India’s recently retired top-order batter, Cheteshwar Pujara, who recently decided to retire from international cricket and still kept himself available for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season for Saurashtra, has responded to the compliment of the former Indian captain, Virat Kohli.

Kohli was late in wishing Pujara’s international career for India when he shed light on the right-handed batter’s comment on how the number three batter made life easy for the Delhi-born to go through his process at number four. “Thank you for making my job easier at 4 pujji. You’ve had an amazing career. Congratulations and wish you the best for what’s ahead. God bless @cheteshwar_pujara.” Kohli wrote on Instagram.

See Also: 'Shameful'- Fans react as BCCI refuses to stream and telecast ongoing Duleep Trophy 2025

“It's a nice compliment from Virat. He's a great player, and if he's saying that I've made his life easier, I'm really proud because if you're a top-order batsman, your job is to ensure that the rest of the batters who bat at number 4, 5, 6, you make their life easier. That's my job.” Pujara expressed during a recent interaction.

Cheteshwar Pujara responds to Virat Kohli’s wish on international retirement

Pujara finished his red-ball career as the eighth leading run-getter of the Blue Brigade with the help of 7195 runs in 176 innings at an average of 43.60, thanks to 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries at the best score of 206*. In FC cricket, the veteran has grabbed 21301 runs at an average of 51.82 with 66 centuries and 81 fifties.

During India’s first red-ball series win against Australia down under during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018/19, Pujara contributed with over 500 runs in four games, where he faced over 1200 deliveries for the six-week campaign, as the opponent bowling line-up was frustrated by the end of the series.

Kohli and Pujara compiled 3513 runs in 83 innings of the longest format, registering seven century partnerships and eight half-century stands at an average of 43.37. In the last eight months, India has lost several Test players, including Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma. A few could also decide on a new future as the Test side is slowly moving into the transition.