India’s Mohammed Siraj celebrates after taking the wicket of Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis. (Reuters)
Navjot Singh Sidhu has raised questions over Mohammed Siraj’s omission from India’s Champions Trophy squad.
Despite shepherding the attack in the absence of Bumrah and Shami who is marking a return to the fold for the first time since the last World Cup, Mohammed Siraj was snubbed for left-armer Arshdeep who has only played eight ODIs thus far.
“Going by the India’s squad for Champions Trophy, looks like selectors have given importance to the all-rounders,” Sidhu told Sports Tak.
“The squad has four quality all-rounders in Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar. And this team has the ability to stand tall in difficult situation.
“But if I had to pick the side, I would have played four seamers and three spinners. I would have kept Mohammed Siraj in the squad for sure,” he said.
Siraj has picked up 71 wickets in only 44 appearances over the years was one of India’s main pace workhorses in the format over the last three years. Siraj powered India to the Asia Cup win in 2023 after ripping through Sri Lanka in the final with career-best figures of 6/21 and followed it with 14 wickets in the ODI World Cup at home.
Sidhu also reasoned why Siraj should have been picked for the Champions Trophy.
“Reason being, the last time when we carried four spinners in West Indies, you left aside one of them (Yuzvendra Chahal) and didn’t give him a game,” he said,
“But if you look at Sharjah, Dubai conditions, spinners are not that effective there. Little bit here and there but overall I see a good balance in the side.”
Siraj did not make the cut for the England ODIs too, with seamer Harshit Rana taking up the slot left open by Bumrah.
“We are not sure if Jasprit Bumrah will play or not. Hence, we wanted someone who can bowl with the new ball and the old one. That is why, we have picked Arshdeep Singh, because of his abilities in the backend. Siraj’s effectiveness comes down if he doesn’t use the new ball. It’s unfortunate if he misses out,” Rohit said in the press conference alongside chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.
Discover the Benefits of Our Subscription!
Stay informed with access to our award-winning journalism.
Avoid misinformation with trusted, accurate reporting.
Make smarter decisions with insights that matter.
Choose your subscription package
