The exclusion of premier Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj from white-ball formats has drawn sharp criticism from former cricketer Aakash Chopra. After India’s defeat in the second ODI against South Africa, Chopra voiced his confusion over why Siraj, a highly effective bowler, is being overlooked for ODIs and T20Is. Many are questioning the shift to position him solely as a Test specialist, given his past impactful performances in shorter formats. Siraj’s ability to generate swing, hit consistent lines, and extract bounce made him a formidable all-format bowler. His record-breaking performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final highlighted his game-changing potential.
Expressing his bewilderment on social media, Chopra questioned the rationale behind Siraj’s current status. He noted that Siraj delivered disciplined performances in recent T20Is against Australia, maintaining good control, yet hasn’t been considered for the national white-ball setup. Chopra also pointed out the inconsistency in selection, with other pacers like Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna receiving more white-ball game time. The decision to leave Siraj out of the Champions Trophy 2025 squad, particularly when he was the leading ODI wicket-taker for India just a couple of years ago, has left fans and experts baffled. Chopra suggested a lack of transparency in the selection process.
While a focus on nurturing emerging pacers is understandable amidst a busy international calendar, some argue that too much experimentation is creating an unsettled bowling unit. In the fast-paced world of ODIs and T20Is, experience and the ability to adapt are key. Siraj’s skill in swinging the new ball and controlling proceedings in the middle overs makes him an invaluable asset, especially in high-stakes tournaments. Chopra’s comments are timely, prompting a necessary re-evaluation of India’s selection clarity, player management, and long-term fast bowling strategy.