Rohit Sharma reveals reason behind Mohammed Siraj's absence from India squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammed Siraj was part of India’s squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

On Saturday, 18th January, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India‘s 15-member squad for the ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

While the Asian giants have retained the core of their squad that reached the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, there were a few key inclusions and exclusions that made headlines.

Young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal earned his maiden ODI call-up, while Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav returned from their respective injuries. Jasprit Bumrah has also been included in the squad with his availability being “subject to fitness.”

The biggest surprise from the squad announcement was the exclusion of Mohammed Siraj. Siraj has been India’s one of the leading fast bowlers in both ODIs and tests, especially in the absence of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah.

The Indian speedster was a regular feature in test matches from September to January, including the home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, followed by the tour of Australia.

Rohit Sharma reveals reason behind Mohammed Siraj’s absence from India squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Speaking to the media after India’s squad announcement for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Indian captain Rohit Sharma clarified that the management preferred to have only three seamers in the squad. He further emphasized that Siraj’s exclusion was due to his ineffectiveness with the old ball.

Rohit said, “We only wanted three seamers. Unfortunate that he (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.“

The Indian skipper added that India were looking for more versatility in the fast-bowling attack. Rohit mentioned that they needed bowlers who could be effective during all stages of the innings, and Shami, Bumrah, and Arshdeep would provide that balance.

He added, “Wanted guys who can bowl with the new ball, be effective in the middle overs and at the back end. With these three boys (Shami, Bumrah and Arshdeep) we can do that.”

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