Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been called up to Team India squad ahead of the second ODI against New Zealand on November 7, 2026 in Wellington. He is likely to bolster India’s bowling options after missing the opening match of the five-match series in Auckland.
Siraj returns to the senior squad after finishing his assignment with India A where he played a four-day match against New Zealand A in preparation for Test series.
Mohammed Siraj Returns to India's ODI Squad
As per reports published on November 5 Siraj was to join senior Indian team in Wellington ahead of the second ODI. He was not available for the first game as he was playing India A’s second four day game against New Zealand A.
The sending of Siraj to India A was part of the team’s preparations for longer format. India were set to play two Tests against New Zealand later in November and management wanted its fast bowlers to get enough red-ball match practice.
Siraj was already in India’s original ODI squad for the New Zealand tour so his return to senior team is not a fresh selection.
Why Did Mohammed Siraj Miss the First ODI?
Siraj missed the first ODI against New Zealand (played on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland) due to his India A commitments.
India won the rain-affected opening match by five wickets and went 1-0 up in the series.
The Indian bowling attack was good too: Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj and Gurnoor Brar all played important roles.
Arshdeep Singh got four wickets while Gurnoor Brar took three wickets. Anshul Kamboj also got two wickets.
Despite the victory, Siraj’s availability gives team management another experienced pace-bowling option for the rest of matches.
Prasidh Krishna's Injury and Siraj's India A Assignment
Siraj’s India A assignment followed an important squad development with Prasidh Krishna.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced on 30 October that Prasidh had been ruled out of the five-match ODI series due to a hamstring injury. He needed time to recover and rebuild his bowling workload.
Siraj was then recalled to India A for the second four day match against New Zealand A starting 31 October.
This arrangement gave him match practice before the senior team's upcoming international fixtures.
Will Mohammed Siraj Play the Second ODI?
Siraj’s availability for the second ODI will give Indian team management another option when choosing the playing XI.
But just being in the squad does not mean you will be in the starting XI. India will have to look at how the bowlers who played the opening match did.
The second ODI will be played on 7 November at Wellington with Shubman Gill leading the Indian side.
India Aim to Extend Their Lead in the ODI Series
India will go into the second match full of confidence after winning the first game. New Zealand will be looking to get back on track and level up the five-match series.
Siraj’s return strengthens India’s pace bowling options ahead of the remaining matches.
All eyes will now be on team combination and if the management decides to include the experienced Indian pacer in playing XI for Wellington match.
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