ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma reveals why Mohammed Siraj was thrown out of India squad
Published - 18 Jan 2025, 04:28 PM | Updated - 18 Jan 2025, 11:35 PM
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India National Cricket Team skipper Rohit Sharma talked about the snub of Mohammed Siraj from the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that they wanted just three seamers in the team, and, unfortunately, Siraj didn't make the cut.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday (18th January) announced the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit Sharma will be leading the team while Shubman Gill has been appointed his deputy for the tournament.
Mohammed Siraj missing out on Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 comes as a big surprise
One of the major names that missed out on the squad was Mohammed Siraj. The fast bowler, who has been a regular member of the team, was dropped as the India National Cricket Team went in with three pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh.
Mohammed Siraj missing out comes as a big surprise as the fast bowler has a great record in the ODIs. He was part of the Indian team for the ICC World Cup 2023 as well and was decent with the team. Along with that, he featured in the T20 World Cup 2024 as well, with his last ODI outing coming 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 - Rohit Sharma on Mohammed Siraj's snub
India captain Rohit Sharma, while talking about Mohammed Siraj getting dropped, said that they wanted to cover for Jasprit Bumrah, who can bowl with a new ball as well as in death. He said that they felt Arshdeep Singh was the right candidate for that. Speaking to reporters, he said:
“It’s only Siraj who isn’t there. But that’s purely because we’re not sure if Jasprit Bumrah will play. We wanted to pick someone who could bowl the new ball and in the death. And, we wanted Arshdeep to take that role”
Siraj’s effectiveness comes down when not bowling with the new ball - Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma added that they needed three pacers in the team and Mohammed Siraj's effectiveness has come down when not bowling with the new ball. He also opened up about why they backed Arshdeep Singh in the team despite having less experience. He added:
“We’re only taking three seamers there. We wanted all-rounders with us. It’s unfortunate that Siraj has to miss out. Siraj’s effectiveness comes down when not bowling with the new ball. We have no option but we wanted guys for specific roles. We wanted guys who can bowl with 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 that. 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 has bowled some tough overs. You can’t please everyone, and at the end of the day, you try and pick the best team possible.”
