Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina believes that Mohammed Siraj can still be part of Team India for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that if Jasprit Bumrah fails to regain his full fitness, then there are chances that the latter will be added to the team.
In what was the biggest shock in terms of selection, Mohammed Siraj was dropped from the India squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This was because India opted to go with just three fast bowlers Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.
Mohammed Siraj wasn’t even the backup, BCCI named Harshit Rana as cover for Bumrah
But there are concerns over the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah as well. The fast bowler got injured during the last game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and then, after that, didn’t look in good shape. Ajit Agarkar mentioned that although they have named a pacer in the team they are unsure about his availability.
But what was surprising was Mohammed Siraj wasn’t even the backup as Harshit Rana has been named as a cover for Bumrah in India’s ODI squad for the home series against England. With Siraj missing out, Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar have faced a lot of criticism as well.
I feel Mohammed Siraj can be back in the side if Bumrah is not fully fit – Suresh Raina
While talking about the omission of Mohammed Siraj, Suresh Raina was hopeful that a pacer would be added to the team. The former India cricketer also lauded Harshit Rana but didn’t shy away from saying that Siraj is the better option. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained:
“Siraj was in a different form in Australia but you can change the squad till 12 February. So I feel Siraj can be back in the side if Bumrah is not fully fit.”
“Harshit Rana has done well. He has good pace, good bumper, variation, yorker and pace. He and both Arshdeep Singh can bowl at the death, but I still feel Siraj is a better option if Bumrah is not there.”
Shami lacks match practice, Bumrah is still uncertain and Kuldeep is returning from an operation – Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina also feels that with uncertainty over Jasprit Bumrah and no clarity over the rhythm of Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav will be playing a big role for the team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He elaborated:
“Shami lacks match practice, Bumrah is still uncertain and Kuldeep is returning back from an operation. What will be important is to see who will partner Kuldeep in the spin department.”
Mohammed Shami last played for India in the ICC World Cup 2023. He will be making his comeback in the upcoming three-match T20I series in England. Kuldeep Yadav, on the other hand, got injured during the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand and will be making a return in the ODI series.
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