Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina believes that Mohammed Siraj can still be part of the Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. According to him, if Jasprit Bumrah fails to regain full fitness, there is a chance of the latter being added to the team.
In the biggest shock in terms of selection, Mohammad Siraj has been dropped from India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This was because India preferred to go with just three fast bowlers, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
Mohammed Siraj was not even a backup, BCCI named Harshit Rana as cover for Bumrah
But there are also concerns about Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness. The fast bowler was injured in the last game of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and has not been in good form since then. Ajit Agarkar mentioned that although they have named a pacer in the team, they are not sure about his availability.
But surprisingly, Mohammad Siraj was not even a backup as Harshit Rana was named as cover for Bumrah in India’s ODI squad for the home series against England. With Siraj missing out, Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar also faced a lot of criticism.
I feel if Bumrah is not fully fit then Mohammad Siraj can come back – 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 praised Harshit Rana but did not hesitate to say that Siraj was a better choice. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained:
“Siraj was in different form in Australia, but you can change the squad till February 12. So, if Bumrah is not fully fit, I think Siraj can come back into the team.”
“Harshit Rana has done a good job. He has good pace, good bumper, variation, yorker and pace. He can bat both Arshdeep Singh at the death but again if Bumrah is not there I think Siraj is a better option.”
Shami missing practice, Bumrah still uncertain and Kuldeep back from surgery – Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina also feels that Kuldeep Yadav will play a big role for the team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with uncertainty over Jasprit Bumrah and lack of clarity over Mohammed Shami’s pace. He elaborated:
“Shami has no game practice, Bumrah is still uncertain and Kuldeep is coming back from surgery. The important thing is to see who will be Kuldeep’s partner in the spin department.”
Mohammed Shami last played for India in ICC World Cup 2023. He will make his comeback in the three-match T20I series in England. Kuldeep Yadav, on the other hand, was injured during the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand and will make a comeback in the ODI series.
