Comprehensive forms Irfan Pathan India feels Mohammed Siraj’s absence will be felt in ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pathan believes that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are returning to international cricket and it will not be easy for them to hit the lanes immediately.
Mohammed Siraj was recently dropped from India’s squad for the Champions Trophy as the selectors decided to go with the left-arm seamer. Arshdeep Singh for his death-bowling skills.
When India captain Rohit Sharma was asked about Siraj’s absence from the ODI squad against England and the Champions Trophy, he made it clear that the team does not see Siraj as an impact player with the old ball.
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Irfan Pathan on Muhammad Siraj’s absence from the Champions Trophy
When Irfan Pathan was asked about India’s Champions Trophy squad, he lamented the absence of Mohammed Siraj. Pathan feels that India have picked too many spinners for the conditions in Dubai.
The former India cricketer feels that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are coming back from injuries and despite being a world-class bowler, it may be difficult to hit the lanes immediately. According to Pathan, Siraj could play an important role in this aspect.
“You need a backup accelerator. Siraj could be a good choice. It is not possible to play four spinners in Dubai. When (Jasprit) Bumrah and (Muhammad) Shami come back from injuries, it won’t be easy for them right away,” Pathan said.
“A tempator like (Mohammed) Siraj would fill that gap. However, we hope that the voters’ choice will do well and we should support them,” he said.
India have selected four spinners for Champions Trophy 2025, three of them are spin bowling all-rounders. Kuldeep Yadav is the lone specialist spinner in the squad and he is also returning from injury. Three spin bowlers Ravindra Jadeja, Akhar Pateland Washington Sundar.
Muhammad Siraj in BGT 2024-25
Mohammed Siraj played in all five Tests of the Sarhad-Gavaskar Trophy but was not outstanding series collect The fast bowler took 20 wickets in the series at an average of 31.15. But he was inconsistent and couldn’t find his rhythm.
Siraj was also part of India’s ODI World Cup 2023 squad, where the team finished second. The 30-year-old football player scored 14 goals at an average of 33.50 in 11 matches. He was also part of India’s title-winning T20 World Cup 2024 squad.
Irfan Pathan on Mohammad Shami’s absence from the 1st T20I against England
Asked about Mohammad Shami’s absence from the first T20I against England, Irfan Pathan said that Shami knows his body better than anyone. According to him, the decision regarding Shamin’s rest would be made after communication between the fast bowler and the team management.
“(Mohammed) Shami always gives honest feedback to the team management and decisions are made through mutual communication. Recovery at the highest level takes time, especially after playing consistently. I believe he and the team management will make the right call at the right time,” Pathan said.
Mohammed Shami was expected to make his international comeback in the first T20I against England in Kolkata. However, India played three spinners with Arshdeep Singh as the lone specialist pacer. Although the reason for Shami’s absence is not yet clear, it could be due to a team reunion.
