Mohammed Siraj Left Out: Former India Opener Questions Squad Selection for Champions Trophy 2025

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Summary:
India announced their squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, with Mohammed Siraj being a notable exclusion. Former India opener Aakash Chopra criticized the decision to pick only three pacers—Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh—given fitness concerns for Shami and Bumrah, and Arshdeep’s inexperience. Chopra argued that Siraj, India’s leading ODI wicket-taker since 2022, should have been included over one of the three spin-bowling all-rounders selected. Rohit Sharma justified Siraj’s omission, citing the need for bowlers with specific skills for different game phases.

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India announced their squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 on January 18, 2025, during a press conference attended by captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. While several expected names made the list, notable exclusions raised eyebrows. Among them was Mohammed Siraj, whose absence surprised many, including former India opener Aakash Chopra.

India’s squad features three pacers—Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Shami—and three spin-bowling all-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, alongside Kuldeep Yadav.

Aakash Chopra expressed his disappointment on social media, citing concerns over India’s decision to pick only three seamers. He highlighted fitness concerns surrounding Shami and Bumrah and Arshdeep’s limited ODI experience. Chopra argued that Siraj, India’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs since 2022 with 71 scalps (third-highest globally after Adam Zampa and Sandeep Lamichhane), deserved a spot. Sharing this statistic, Chopra suggested Siraj should have been included in place of one of the spin-bowling all-rounders.

“Picking only three seamers, with two having fitness concerns and one not an ODI regular, for a tournament in Dubai during late February/early March—I would’ve chosen Siraj over a spinner-all-rounder,” Chopra posted on his X account.

Rohit Sharma Justifies Siraj’s Exclusion

Addressing Siraj’s omission, Rohit Sharma explained that the team prioritized specialists for specific roles. He stated that Siraj’s impact diminishes without the new ball and that the selected trio could effectively handle different phases of the game.

“We wanted only three seamers. Unfortunately, Siraj had to miss out. His effectiveness reduces without the new ball. We needed bowlers who could deliver with the new ball, during the middle overs, and at the death. Shami, Arshdeep, and Bumrah fit those roles,” Rohit explained.

The decision has sparked debate, with many questioning whether India’s pace attack will hold up in the challenging conditions of Dubai.

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Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this summary are based on publicly available information and statements made by individuals. They do not necessarily reflect the official stance of any cricket board or organization. For the complete and accurate details, refer to the official announcements and sources.

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