'Pani pilana, bat uthana': Mohammed Siraj's viral dig on his and Kuldeep Yadav's role in T20 World Cup triumph

NEW DELHI: After Team India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 title, broadcasters went around collecting reactions from the victorious players following the historic triumph. Among them was Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj, who is well known for his witty and humorous responses, and he delivered another memorable moment when asked about his emotions after the victory.

Team India lifted their third T20 World Cup title — having previously won the tournament in 2007 under Mahendra Singh Dhoni, in 2024 under Rohit Sharma, and now in 2026 under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav.




During the interaction, the presenter asked Siraj, “What will be the World Cup's line, I only believe in...?”

To which Siraj replied, “Whole team. It was God's script as I was not in the team initially and then I got a surprise call and then we became the champions.”



The presenter then asked: “Thoda sa frustrating ho sakta hai playing eleven se bahar rehna, lekin role kitna bada hai aap dono ka.” (It can be frustrating sometimes not being part of the playing XI, however, how big is your role?)

Siraj responded with a humorous answer.

“Haa bahut hi bada role hai hum dono ka, bahar baithke pani pilana back to back, bat uthana.” (Yes, we played a major role. Sitting outside and providing water to the players and holding their bats.)

Standing beside him, Kuldeep Yadav burst into laughter.



Siraj featured in just one match during the tournament, against the United States national cricket team, where he picked up three wickets for 29 runs. However, he did not play another game in the competition.

Kuldeep also played only one match in the tournament — against Pakistan national cricket team — and took one wicket.

“Net mein bowling. Fir humlog positive environment rakhte hai. Hamesha players ko aisa rehta hai ki khele, but team ka jo combination k liye humlog bahar baithe hai toh team is important. No person is important, but team is important. Toh humlog ka aisa tha ki team jo sochti hai wahi behtar hoga.” (Bowling in the nets. Then we keep a positive environment. Players always feel like they should play, but for the team combination if we are sitting outside, then the team is important. No person is important, but the team is important. So our thinking was that whatever the team thinks will be better), Siraj said.