Mohammed Siraj’s absence from India’s 2025 Champions Trophy initially raised a few eyebrows. However, former RCB team-mate AB de Villiers, Siraj supported the selectors’ decision to drop the Pacer citing his diminished returns.
De Villiers gave the example of the recent Border-Gavaskar trophy where Siraj was inconsistent and looked sloppy. However, he was quick to back the 30-year-old to make a strong comeback in international cricket.
AB de Villiers supports the selectors’ decision to drop Mohammed Siraj
While speaking on his YouTube channel, Ab de Villiers spoke about Mohammed Siraj’s absence from India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He feels that Siraj has not been in great form with the ball and the Indian bowling line-up will not be affected by his unavailability.
“I don’t think (Mohammed) Siraj’s absence will affect the Indian bowling unit. He looked out of sorts for a long time. It could be because of the Australia tour, he bought a lot and gave his full energy,” de Villiers said.
“He has done well at times but not enough the second time. I don’t think he is able to hold the ball strong. I am disappointed that he has not found a place. He is an amazing bowler, I am confident that he will come back,” he Backed Siraj to make a strong comeback.
Both AB de Villiers and Mohammed Siraj played together for RCB during the former’s last few seasons as a professional player. De Villiers retired from the IPL after the 2021 season of the tournament. Meanwhile, Siraj will play for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 after RCB failed to sign him.
India’s injuries ahead of the Champions Trophy
In the absence of Mohammed Siraj, Onus will be on the fast bowling duo of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh to carry the Indian bowling attack. However, the bowling attack is facing some injury concerns ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Bumrah suffered back spasms in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and has not played a single match since then. Although he has been selected in the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy, his availability is yet to be confirmed.
On the other hand, Mohammed Shami is coming back from a long injury layoff. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav is also coming back from injury, while fast bowler Hardik Pandya has not played much 50-year-old cricket in recent times.
AB de Villiers backs India to win
Ab de Villiers also backed India to go all the way in the upcoming Champions Trophy. The former South African cricketer feels that India is a tough side which is needed to win major tournaments.
“I think this is the team to win the tournament. First of all, their matches will be held in the UAE. That’s because they have picked a tough team,” de Villiers said.
“We have always seen Australia in the World Cup as well, they hit deep and won the match. For example – Glenn Maxwell’s double century against Afghanistan,” he noted.
India have excellent depth in their batting department with a total of four all-rounders in the squad. Hardik Pandya is the only fast all-rounder, while Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar are the mainstays in the team.
