“I think it’s sad”: Dinesh Karthik reacts to Mohammad Siraj’s absence from India’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled the Indian squad for the series against England and ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With the naming of many key players, the announcement sparked much debate due to surprise inclusions and notable omissions. Among those commenting on the team, the former goalkeeper striker Dinesh Karthik he prevailed on the exclusion of the star pacer Mohammad Sirajwhich contributes to the growing debates surrounding selection decisions.
Dinesh Karthik objects to Mohammed Siraj’s omission
Karthik expressed his disappointment at Siraj’s exclusion but admitted that the decision was fair, highlighting the selection Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shamiand Arshdeep Singhwho was outstanding in white-ball cricket.
“I think that’s sad, but fair. Who did they go after? Bumrah, Shami and Arshdeep, who has been phenomenal in white-ball cricket”, said Karthik on Cricbuzz.
Karthik on choosing Harshit Rana over Siraj
Karthik noted that Siraj’s omission from the Champions Trophy squad could serve as motivation for the pacer to improve and come back stronger. He noticed that Siraj might feel particularly hurt Harshit Rana he was picked ahead of him in the first few matches of the ODI series against England. However, Karthik emphasized that Siraj has the skills to prove his worth and believes in the decision Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma because the Champions Trophy was fair
“But what would have hurt him, I feel, is the fact that Harshit Rana was picked ahead of him in the first few games of the bilateral against England. This is where Siraj will look and say, Look, I think I deserve better than that, and I’ll do better than that because he’s got the skills. But right now, for the Champions Trophy, I think it’s a fair decision by Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma,Karthik added.
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The Road Ahead: England ODI Series and Champions Trophy 2025
A three-match ODI series against England, starting on February 6 and ending on February 12. The series will serve as an important preparation phase as India look to refine their squad and tactics for the prestigious ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Champions Trophy will be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025, in a hybrid format co-hosted by Pakistan and UAE.
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