Indian national cricket team captain Rohit Sharma spoke about Mohammed Siraj's exclusion from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. He said that they want only three seamers in the team and unfortunately, Siraj did not join.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday (January 18) announced the Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit Sharma will lead the team while Shubman Gill has been appointed as his vice-president for the tournament.
Mohamed Siraj's absence from the Indian team for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy comes as a big surprise
One of the main names who was absent from the team was Mohamed Siraj. The fast bowler, who was a regular member of the team, was left out when the India national cricket team entered with three players Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh.
Mohammed Siraj's absence comes as a big surprise as the fast bowler has an impressive record in ODIs. He was part of the Indian squad for the ICC World Cup 2023 as well and was fit for the team. Besides, he featured in the 2024 T20 World Cup as well, and his last ODI match was in a series against the Sri Lanka national cricket team.
We wanted to pick someone who could bowl the new ball and in the death over – Rohit Sharma on Mohammed Siraj's snub
India captain Rohit Sharma, while talking about dropping Mohammed Siraj, said that they wanted to cover Jasprit Bumrah, who can bowl with the new ball as well as the death over. He said they felt Arshdeep Singh was the right candidate for it. Speaking to reporters, he said:
“Siraj is the only one who is not there. But that is because we are not sure whether Jasprit Bumrah will play or not. We wanted to pick someone who can bowl the new ball and die. And we wanted Arshdeep to take on that role.
Siraj's effectiveness decreases when he is not playing with the new ball – Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma added that they need three players in the team and Mohammed Siraj's effectiveness has decreased when he is not playing with the new ball. He also spoke about why they are backing Arshdeep Singh in the team despite his inexperience. He added:
“We only take three seamers there. We wanted all-rounders with us. It's a shame Siraj is gone. Siraj's effectiveness goes down when he's not playing with the new ball. We don't have a choice but we wanted guys for specific roles. We wanted guys who can play with the new ball, who are effective in midfield and in the offing.” Back line.
“With these three boys (Shami, Harshit and Arshdeep) we can do it. Arshdeep hasn't played a lot of ODIs but he has been around the white-ball circuit for a long time. He has been there enough and bowled some tough knocks. You can't please everyone, and at the end of the day You should try to choose the best team possible.
Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ajit Agarkar gives final update on Jasprit Bumrah's fitness
