The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will get underway on February 7. The tournament will feature the world’s top 20 teams battling for cricket’s biggest T20 prize. Team India enter the competition as defending champions and will be eager to create history by becoming the first side to win the coveted trophy on home soil. With massive expectations and passionate home crowds, the pressure will be firmly on the hosts to deliver another memorable campaign.

As with every T20 World Cup, team selection has thrown up a few surprises ahead of the 2026 edition. While several players from the 2024 tournament featured prominently back then, not all have managed to retain their spots this time. A handful of high-profile names have been left out following changes in form, team balance, or strategy. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India have assembled a strong squad, even as some familiar faces from 2024 miss out on the final cut.

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Here are the top 3 Indian players who played in the 2024 T20 World Cup but are missing in 2026;

3. Mohammed Siraj

Although Mohammed Siraj was part of the victorious Indian team at the T20 World Cup 2024, he has missed out on selection for the T20 World Cup 2026 as the team has changed the dynamics of squads that include players that play various formats and different conditions with match specific performances being required. However, Siraj remains an important player in the Test and ODI formats but he doesn't have as much of a role in the T20 format as he did in previous years.

Siraj has had to deal with a high level of competition from younger players and fast bowling all-rounders like Harshit Rana as these players not only bowl fast but give added batting depth to a side as well. Indian management has placed a high priority on selecting players who have specific skill sets and can be adjusted depending on who is playing in the opposition side. For this reason, Sri was not selected despite his high level of experience. Siraj hasn't played in the T20 format since July 2024 when he played against Sri Lanka where he dropped further down the order as the Indian T20 team has moved away from older combinations and will now look towards players who can provide them enjoyment now and in the future.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Many people were shocked when it was announced that Yashasvi Jaiswal wouldn’t be included in the T20 World Cup squad in 2026. He was an important part of the 2024 tournament and had established himself as one of India’s brightest young batting talents. He had been expected to be a long-term choice in this format of the game, having been the third option for the opening position behind Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during the successful 2024 Indian T20 World Cup. His aggressive batting style, along with his ability to score runs quickly at the start of an innings, had made him a key player for future T20 World Cups.

However, due to a loss of form and the emergence of several other top-order players, Jaiswal’s selection was adversely affected. Significant contributions from the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have only added to their selection credentials. As team management looked for players in form, who could play flexible roles within the team, Jaiswal was left out of the squad despite clearly being a capable player. Jaiswal has not played T20 international cricket since July 2024, against Sri Lanka, after which he was no longer considered for selection.

1. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is the biggest name missing from the players who participated in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He was part of India's world champion squad in 2022 when he provided a serviceable and frequently used option as their primary wicketkeeper over the previous two years; therefore, not being selected this time, despite being involved with the team recently and being back on track with his recent form after injury, has left some fans and many analysts stunned.

Indian team management seems to have gone with a different formula than they did in preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with a very short slump in Pant's performance leading to his exclusion and other players Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan being included instead as wicketkeeper/batter candidates. Although the tournament will begin on February 7 at multiple locations throughout India and Sri Lanka, he will not be there with his name as one of the best T20 players from India.

Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj gets a major role ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. For the remaining part of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, the pacer will play for the Hyderabad cricket team as the captain. The cricket governing body of Hyderabad appoints Siraj as the captain in place of Rahul Singh. Rahul will be seen as the deputy of the newly appointed captain. 

Hyderabad will play two more matches in the Ranji Trophy season later this month. Both of the matches are scheduled to be played in Hyderabad. The home team will face Mumbai from January 22, followed by a match against Chhattisgarh from January 29. The Hyderabad vs. Mumbai Ranji Trophy match will be Siraj's first match as the leader of the team. 

According to a Cricbuzz report, the state cricket board contacted Siraj before taking the final decision. As Siraj will be available for the remaining part of the season, Hyderabad cricket officials did not hesitate to hand over to him the major role. 

Read More: Big blow for team India as star allrounder out of T20Is ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Mohammed Siraj appoints as the captain of Hyderabad 

"We have spoken to him, and he is available for the remainder of the season. He is a fighter and always looks to win, and we are confident that this will rub off on others. As for Aman Rao, he has been doing well for us in the Under-19 and Under-23 age-group matches and is coming off a good Vijay Hazare Trophy season," chairman of selectors Harimohan told Cricbuzz. 

Hyderabad Cricket Team Squad: 

Squad: Md Siraj (Captain), G Rahul Singh (Vice Captain), CV Milind, Tanay Thyagarajan, K Rohit Rayudu, K Himateja, A Varun Goud, M Abhirath Reddy, Rahul Radesh (WK), Aman Rao Perala, CTL Rakshann Readdi, N Nitin Sai Yadav, Kanala Nitesh Reddy, Sai Pragnay Reddy (WK), and B Punnaiah.

Standbys: Mickil Jaiswal, A Avanish Rao (WK), Kartikeya Kak, Pranav Varma, and P Nitish Reddy.

Indian players are getting ready for their first international match in 2026, as India will face New Zealand in the first ODI of the three-match home series on Sunday (January 11) in Baroda. Only four players of the complete squad have reportedly not joined the team yet, and here we can know the clear reason for their present absence from the national team.

White-ball series against New Zealand are crucial before T20 World Cup

The Men in Blues are ready to begin their journey in 2026 with the home three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which will start on January 11. After the ODI series, India will host a five-match T20I series against New Zealand before hosting the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, along with Sri Lanka, where India will also defend the title. 

While the national selection committee has already announced the 15-member ODI squad for the home series, most of the players have already reached Baroda for the series opener, including the former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Breaking News: Indian star ruled out of IND vs NZ first 3 T20Is

Four players were busy in Vijay Hazare Trophy; will join on Friday

However, four players of the 15-member squad are yet to join the team. These four names are Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj. All these players are likely to join the squad on Friday (January 9), as they were busy in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. 

On Thursday (January 8), all four players played in the last day of the Elite group stage in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. Rishabh Pant led Delhi in their comfortable nine-wicket win against Haryana, while Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer scored 45 off 34 balls in their one-run defeat against Punjab. Also, Mohammed Siraj picked up two wickets (2/45) in their three-wicket defeat against Jammu and Kashmir, and Ravindra Jadeja (52 not out off 39 balls and 3/62) had a strong all-round performance for Saurashtra in their 145-run win against Gujarat.

The calendar year 2025 in Test cricket came to an end on Saturday, December 27, with the fourth Ashes Test at the MCG finishing inside two days. Australia, who currently lead the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, lost the final Test match of the year against England.

The year 2025 saw several players from different nations deliver outstanding performances in the longest format of the game. Bowlers, in particular, played a key role and consistently made an impact across conditions.

Here, we take a look at the Top 10 Test wicket-takers of 2025, highlighting the bowlers who dominated Test cricket throughout the year.

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10. Noman Ali

Pakistan spinner Noman Ali finished as the joint tenth-highest wicket-taker of 2025. He claimed 30 wickets in four matches, proving to be a key spin option for Pakistan, especially in testing home conditions.

9. Simon Harmer

Simon Harmer also picked up 30 wickets in four matches for South Africa in 2025. He enjoyed a stellar Test series in India, where he played a major role in helping the Proteas whitewash the hosts 2–0, making him South Africa’s find of the year.

8. Jasprit Bumrah

Despite limited appearances due to injuries and workload management, Jasprit Bumrah led India’s pace attack with authority. He finished the year with 31 wickets in eight matches, once again proving his consistency in the longest format.

7. Scott Boland

Scott Boland continued his impressive form for Australia, taking 32 wickets in six matches with his disciplined line and length. He also became the first bowler to take a hat-trick in a Day/Night Test during the year.

6. Josh Tongue

Josh Tongue’s rise in England’s bowling attack continued in 2025 as he claimed 33 wickets in six matches. His pace and bounce troubled batters, and he ended the year with a memorable five-wicket haul at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

5. Taijul Islam

Bangladesh leaned heavily on Taijul Islam, who finished with 33 wickets in six matches. His accuracy and control made him the team’s most reliable bowler throughout the year.

4. Ben Stokes

England Test captain Ben Stokes carried much of the team’s responsibility, ending 2025 with 33 wickets from nine matches. Many of his wickets came in crucial moments when England needed breakthroughs.

3. Blessing Muzarabani

Blessing Muzarabani emerged as a major force for Zimbabwe, taking 42 wickets in 10 matches across different conditions.

2. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj delivered a standout year for India, finishing with 43 wickets in 10 matches. His impact was especially strong in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, where he played all five Tests despite fitness issues.

1. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc finished 2025 as the leading Test wicket-taker, claiming 55 wickets in 11 matches. Leading Australia’s attack during the Ashes, he once again showed why he remains one of the world’s best fast bowlers.

Axar Patel made a prank call to Mohammed Siraj. Siraj was literally not aware that the phone call from Patel was only for a funny Instagram video. After a brief, funny chat, Axar revealed that it was a prank call. 

The video we are talking about was shared by the popular Instagram account '2sloggers.' The hosts asked Axar Patel to make a call to his close teammate. Without any hesitation, Patel dialed Siraj's number. Siraj instantly picked up the call on the other side. From the conversation it is clear that the video was shot after the T20 World Cup squad announcement, where Axar Patel was named as the vice-captain of Team India, in place of Shubman Gill, who was snubbed from the squad. 

In a serious voice tone, Patel said to Siraj that he did not find his name in the T20 World Cup squad. Siraj on the other side was confident that his friend's name was in the list. Siraj told Axar he saw his name in the player's list. The conversation got more real when the star pacer used a colloquial word for his friend, after which Axar Patel revealed to Siraj that that phone call was a prank. 

Read More: Star India player to lead Punjab in upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy in absense of Shubman Gill

Watch Axar Patel's prank call to Mohammed Siraj 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 2 Sloggers (@2sloggers)

While Axar Patel is in the squad with a new role, Siraj is not in the T20I team. The seamer did not feature in any Twenty20 match for India in 2025. He played his last T20I for India on July 30, 2024.

India squad for T20 World Cup:

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Ishan Kishan (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh, and Washington Sundar.

A large number of spectators turned up at the MCA Stadium in Mumbai for the Super League fixture of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26 between Hyderabad and Mumbai. The former won the toss and decided to bowl first as Mohammad Siraj, the premier pacer of the side, didn’t disappoint his fans by displaying notable bowling performances.

Mumbai, under the leadership of Shardul Thakur, posted a below-par score of 130, getting bundled out in 18.5 overs as only Hardik Tamore, the wicket-keeper batter, and Yashasvi Jaiswal crossed their respective 25-run mark. Suyansh Shedge cracked 28 runs in 22 balls at a strike rate of 127.27.

See Also: Watch: “Forever grateful…”-Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre’s hilarious interview in U-19 Asia Cup 2025 goes viral

Siraj was excellent with the new ball and later on used the variations with the old delivery by finishing with figures of 3/17 in 3.5 overs at an economy rate of 4.40. Both Captain Milind and T. Thuagarajan added two wickets each in their spell. Siraj’s line and length were fabulous in the entire game, in different phases of the game.

Mohammad Siraj shows heartwarming gesture in SMAT 2025/26

In the chase, the opening stand of 127 runs between Tanmay Agarwal and Aman Rao killed any chance for Mumbai to make a slight comeback in the fixture. The former nailed a fine knock of 75 runs in 40 balls at a strike rate of 187.50, thanks to seven boundaries and four sixes, while Aman drilled 52 undefeated runs in 29 balls at a strike rate of 179.31, shouldering on five fours and three sixes.

A standout moment from Mohammed Siraj ✨

After earning POTM vs Mumbai, he recognises Tanmay Agarwal’s vital 75 by sharing the award! pic.twitter.com/K5sERoCbO5

— CRICKETNMORE (@cricketnmore) December 12, 2025

Siraj won the player of the match award for his excellent bowling performance. But he showed a heartwarming gesture in the presentation ceremony by calling Tanmay in that event and sharing the prize with the left-handed opening batter. Hyderabad completed the chase in less than 12 overs for a nine-wicket victory.

Mohammad Siraj, who recently featured in the ODI series against South Africa at home, will be back in action for the national side during the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home. That will take place in the second week of January next week.

Star Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj played for Hyderabad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025 Super League match against Mumbai on Friday (December 12).

The match was played at the MCA Stadium in Pune. Hyderabad won the game by nine wickets. Siraj picked up three wickets and finished with figures of 3 for 17 in 3.5 overs. He was named Player of the Match for his brilliant bowling performance.

Siraj also won hearts by sharing his Player of the Match award with teammate Tanmay Agarwal. Tanmay played a fine knock of 75 runs off 40 balls during the 132-run chase. Fans praised Siraj’s gesture on social media. His IPL franchise, the Gujarat Titans, also reacted and shared a post, which has now gone viral.

Also Read -Rohit Sharma set to play for Mumbai in Vijay Hazare Trophy ahead of IND vs NZ ODI series: Report

GT shared a picture of Mohammed Siraj sharing the Player of the Match award with Tanmay Agarwal. The franchise captioned the post, “Match bhi jeet liya aur dil bhi!”

Match bhi jeet liya aur dil bhi! 💙 pic.twitter.com/vGYc8NQSgk

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) December 12, 2025

Flop Show by Mumbai

The presence of several Indian stars did not help Mumbai, as they lost to Hyderabad in their Super League match.

Mumbai had players like Yashasvi Jaiswal (29), Sarfaraz Khan (5), Ajinkya Rahane (9), and Shardul Thakur (0) in the playing XI. However, they were bowled out for 131. Mohammed Siraj was the star for Hyderabad, as he picked up three wickets for 17 runs in 3.5 overs.

Tanay Thyagarajan supported Siraj well and took two wickets.

In reply, Aman Rao scored an unbeaten 52, while Tanmay Agarwal made 75 runs. The duo helped Hyderabad chase the target in just 11.5 overs.

Hyderabad finished on 132 for one. They won the match by nine wickets and earned four points.

Read Also -Watch: “Forever grateful…”-Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre’s hilarious interview in U-19 Asia Cup 2025 goes viral

Hat-trick for Reddy

India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy impressed for Andhra Pradesh. He scored 25 runs and took a hat-trick, finishing with figures of 3 for 17 in three overs.

However, Madhya Pradesh won the match by four wickets. Andhra were bowled out for 112 in 19.1 overs. Madhya Pradesh chased down the target, scoring 113 for six in 17.3 overs, despite Reddy’s fine spell.

Hyderabad started the Super League Group B of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 with a thrashing victory against Mumbai, where the star Gujarat Titans pacer, who is also the star Indian pacer, was the hero of the match for recording three wickets in four balls. 

Pune hosted the fixture, where Hyderabad chose to field first. While Mumbai were bowled out for only 131 runs in 18.5 overs, Hyderabad chased down the target in 11.5 overs after losing only one wicket, as Hyderabad won the match by nine wickets with 49 balls remaining. 

Mumbai openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Ajinkya Rahane had a 31-run partnership for the first wicket before Mumbai's regular wickets started falling. Only the middle-order batters Hardik Tamore (29) and Suryansh Shedge (28) crossed the 20-run mark along with the opener Jaiswal (29) in that innings.

See Also: Shardul Thakur takes 2 DRS to review two wide calls during MUM vs HYD SMAT 2025 match

Mohammed Siraj took 3 wickets in 4 balls in slog overs

Hyderabad pace-bowling leader Mohammed Siraj produced a strong bowling performance, especially in the slog over, where the right-arm pacer got three wickets in four balls. Siraj ended the innings with the bowling figures of 3.5-0-21-3, as he won the Player of the Match award. 

On the fourth and fifth balls of the 17th over, which was Siraj's third over of the match, the right-arm pacer took back-to-back wickets of set Suryansh (28) and Shardul Thakur (0). On his hat-trick ball, Siraj conceded a leg-bye. 

On the first ball of the 19th over, Siraj bowled Tanush Kotian (2). In that same over, Mumbai were bundled out after Tushar Deshpande (1) was run out. 

Hyderabad openers completely dominated

In reply, Hyderabad openers Aman Rao (52) and Tanmay Agarwal (75) comfortably guided the team to a victory, while only Tanmay lost his wicket after a 127-run partnership for the first wicket. 

The opening day of the second Test between India and South Africa was very exciting. While the visitors managed the strong partnerships, Indian bowlers provided the timely breakthrough to never allow the game to move out of their hands. At the very end of the day, Mohammed Siraj took the crucial wicket by dismissing Tony de Zorzi with the second new ball.

While Kuldeep Yadav picked up three crucial wickets, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja also picked up one wicket each on the opening day of the Guwahati Test. In the middle of the 81st over of the first innings, the home team took the second new ball, as Jasprit Bumrah completed the over with the new ball. 

Watch: Kuldeep Yadav dismisses Wiaan Mulder during IND vs SA 2nd Test in Guwahati

Mohammed Siraj took wicket of Tony de Zorzi with second new ball

While the floodlight was on, another Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj returned to bowl. While it was his first delivery with the second new ball, Siraj produced a length ball moving away from Tony de Zorzi, who was batting at 28 off 59 balls with three fours and one six. Tony had an outside edge, and the Indian stand-in Test skipper and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant snatched a great catch with his remarkable low diving effort. 

It was an important time that the hosts got a massive wicket by dismissing set Tony de Zorzi, while Siraj took his first wicket of the match. Four balls later, the day ended while one more ball was yet to be bowled to complete the 82nd over of the innings. South Africa, who chose to bat first after winning the toss in the second Test, were battling at 247/6 at the stumps of the opening day. Senuran Muthusamy and Kyle Verreynne are batting at 25 and one run, respectively.  

Persistence is key! 🔥#MohammedSiraj strikes just before stumps on Day 1 to give #TeamIndia their 6th wicket!#INDvSA 2nd Test 👉 Day 2 SUN, NOV 23, 8:30 AM pic.twitter.com/7NpAzZddhu

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 22, 2025

Proteas batters fail big scores

All the top four Proteas batters got starts but lost their wickets at 30s and 40s. Only Tristian Stubbs (49) and the skipper Temba Bavuma (41) managed to reach the 40-run mark on the opening day. 

Australia’s captain, Mitchell Marsh, won the toss and had no hesitation in deciding to bat first on a hard surface that was offering good bounce for the batters to play their shots around the park. And his opening stand with Travis Head was an example of how much the right decision was from their end, as they made just one solitary change of bringing Nathan Ellis for Xavier Bartlett.

Head and Marsh saw off the first three overs from Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana, who moved the ball in both ways to get some swing and seam movement. But with the ball losing its shine, both the batters went after the short balls from the Indian pace attack and collected runs all around the park.

See Also: Why is Nitish Kumar Reddy not playing today in AUS vs IND 3rd ODI?

Later, it was Siraj who drew the first blood with the wicket of Head for 29 runs. The southpaw clubbed the leg-sided delivery of the Hyderabad bowler into the covers for a boundary before cutting the short of a length delivery straight into the hands of the backward point fielder.

Watch: Mohammed Siraj sends back Travis Head on 29 runs during AUS vs IND 3rd ODI

That was the eighth time in 19 innings Siraj dismissed Head across formats in the game. The left-handed opening batter of the Australian side became the fastest for the national side to complete 3000 ODI runs in 76 innings, overtaking Steve Smith’s 79 innings. He also took the fourth-lowest balls (2839) to complete the milestone, as Glenn Maxwell, Jason Roy, and Jos Buttler were ahead of him in the list.

Much needed! 💪

Just as the opening stand was starting to look dangerous, #MohammadSiraj gets #TravisHead! 👏🇮🇳#AUSvIND 👉 3rd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/0evPIuANAu pic.twitter.com/Kimj8efFnZ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 25, 2025

After Head’s wicket, Marsh was dismissed for 41 runs in 50 balls with the help of five boundaries and one six at a strike rate of 82. Axar Patel was able to break the stumps of the right-handed batter as India started to get their way back into the game.

The visitors made two changes in the playing eleven, with Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna getting a look in place of Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who were ruled out of the clash with injury.