India pacer Mohammed Siraj asserts that every player should take the opportunity to represent their state in domestic cricket whenever the schedule permits. His remarks followed his participation in the Ranji Trophy match for Hyderabad against Vidarbha, marking his first appearance for the state in a red-ball format in five years.

In the match, which Vidarbha won by 58 runs, Siraj claimed four wickets, with three of those coming in the second innings.

Following the recent defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI mandated that centrally contracted players must participate in domestic cricket to remain eligible for selection and retain their central contracts.

As a result, the last two rounds of the Ranji Trophy season have seen numerous players don their state colors. Notable players such as Rohit Sharma (Mumbai), Virat Kohli (Delhi), KL Rahul (Karnataka), Rishabh Pant (Delhi), and Ravindra Jadeja (Saurashtra) have all participated in at least one match during the tournament.

Siraj emphasized, “When you are available as a player, it is essential to dedicate time to represent your state. Your presence can inspire the younger players in the team, providing them with motivation. Sharing the dressing room with established players like Virat and Rohit is beneficial for the new generation.”

'Red-ball cricket is my life'

The fast bowler expressed that Test cricket is his utmost priority and that he is willing to make any sacrifices necessary to excel on the international stage. It is noteworthy that Siraj has participated in nearly double the number of Test matches compared to his Ranji Trophy appearances (19).

"Red-ball cricket is of utmost importance to me, and I am committed to playing it. I have consistently maintained that Test cricket encompasses my entire passion," stated the pacer from Hyderabad.

"When I grasp the red ball, I derive immense pleasure from it. I do not dwell on my performance; rather, my long bowling spells are a testament to my deep affection for this format," he elaborated.

Some supporters have suggested that Siraj should consider taking a break, as no other Indian bowler in international cricket has delivered more balls than he has since 2021. He recently participated in all five Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

"As a human, it is essential to take breaks occasionally. However, when you possess the ball and represent your country, you instinctively run in and bowl," the pacer remarked.

"Your primary motivation is to play for your nation. This aspiration has been a lifelong dream, so when the opportunity arises, you seize it. I take great joy in fulfilling my dream of representing India," he added.

Siraj is not included in India's ODI squad for the forthcoming three matches against England and the Champions Trophy. It remains uncertain whether he will be selected if Jasprit Bumrah is not fit in time for the tournament, which is set to commence on February 19.

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