Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma talked about dropping Mohammed Siraj from the squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that they wanted only three players in the squad but unfortunately Siraj did not make the line up.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday (January 18) announced India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit Sharma will lead the team while Shubman Gill has been named as his deputy for the tournament.
Mohammed Siraj’s omission from India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad is a big surprise
One of the main names missing from the team was Mohammed Siraj. The fast bowler, who was a regular in the team, was dropped as the Indian national cricket team went in with three players Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and left-arm spinner Arshdeep Singh.
Mohammed Siraj’s absence comes as a big surprise as the fast bowler has a great record in ODIs. He was also part of India’s 2023 ICC World Cup squad and has been decent with the team. Additionally, he also featured in the 2024 T20 World Cup and his last ODI appearance came in the series against the Sri Lankan cricket team.
We wanted to pick someone who could bowl the new ball and execute – Rohit Sharma on Mohammed Siraj’s rebuke
India captain Rohit Sharma, while talking about the dismissal of Mohammed Siraj, said they wanted to cover Jasprit Bumrah, who can bowl with the new ball as well as at the death. He said that they feel Arshdeep Singh is the right candidate for it. Addressing the press, he said:
“Only Siraj is not there. But that is purely because we are not sure if Jasprit Bumrah will play. We wanted to pick someone who could throw the new ball and kill. And we wanted Arshdeep to take on that role”
Siraj’s effectiveness drops when he is not bowling with the new ball – Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma added that they needed three pacers in the team and that Mohammed Siraj’s effectiveness dropped when he was not bowling with the new ball. He also spoke about why they backed Arshdeep Singh in the team despite less experience. He added:
“We only take three tailors there. We wanted versatile players with us. It’s a pity that Siraj has to miss out. Siraj’s effectiveness drops when he is not pitching with the new ball. We have no choice, but we wanted guys for certain roles. We wanted guys who can bowl the new ball and be effective in the middle overs and at the back end.
“With these three boys (Shami, Harshit and Arshdeep) we can do it. Arshdeep hasn’t played a lot of ODIs but he’s been around the white-ball circuit for a long time. He’s been there enough and bowled some tough overs.. You can’t please everyone , and at the end of the day you’re trying to pick the best possible team.”
Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ajit Agarkar gives update on Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness
