IND vs AUS: Revealed - Why No. 1 ODI bowler Mohammed Siraj isn't playing in the 1st ODI

Here's why Mohammed Siraj is not included in India's playing XI in 1st ODI against Australia.

India and Australia have begun their preparations for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. India’s Asia Cup final hero Mohammed Siraj is not part of the first ODI between India and Australia at PCA Stadium in Mohali. Siraj bowled a magical spell in his last One-day international game for Team India. Mohammed Shami has replaced Mohammed Siraj in the playing XI.

Siraj not feeling well

Indian captain KL Rahul did not officially confirm anything on Siraj’s absence but former Indian all-rounder Abhishek Nayar on Jio Cinema informed that Mohammed Siraj has not been keeping well since he came back from Sri Lanka and the Indian team management didn’t want to risk his premier pace bowler just a few days before the World Cup 2023 in India. 

Abhishek Nayar said, “Siraj has been under the weather for the last couple of days. That’s why the management did not risk him.” Siraj was also not present in the Indian team warm-ups before the game and that gave a clear signal of Siraj’s fitness. He also didn’t participate in India’s only practice session which was held on Thursday at PCA Stadium in Mohali. 

Shreyas Iyer is back

Away from action in the Asia Cup Super 4 round and final, Shreyas Iyer has made his comeback once again after a short break. Iyer didn’t feature in the majority of the Asia Cup 2023 games due to back spasms but against Australia, he is back in the playing XI ending all the talks around his participation in the upcoming World Cup 2023. He will be batting at number 3 as Virat Kohli is rested from the first two games. 

Mohammed Shami will be replacing Mohammed Siraj in the playing XI. Ravichandran Ashwin is also back in the Indian ODI eleven after a gap of 21 months. After almost 5 years, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin will be playing together in an ODI game. Australia have got off to a good start against India. Opener David Warner (52) scored his 29th Half-century in this format.