Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has addressed the notable omission of fast bowler Mohammed Siraj from India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The announcement has sparked significant discussion among fans and cricket analysts regarding the rationale behind this decision.
Reason for Mohammed Siraj’s exclusion
During the press conference, which was also attended by Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Agarkar explained that the selectors had to make tough choices based on team composition and strategy.
“But that’s purely because we thought of it. We’re not sure about [Jasprit] Bumrah (to be fit for the third ODI against England), whether he’s going to play or not. We wanted to pick a squad where we have options of both, somebody to bowl with the new ball and somebody to bowl at the back end. Obviously, with Bumrah missing, we’re not sure.
Agarkar emphasized that Siraj’s effectiveness diminishes when he is not utilized as a new-ball bowler, which influenced their decision to select Arshdeep Singh instead.
“We wanted Arshdeep to come and play that role of bowling at the back end and [Mohammed] Shami, obviously we saw what he did with the new ball and that is where we feel that Siraj’s effectiveness comes down a little bit if he’s not going to take the new ball.
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“We discussed at length about it and we are only taking three seamers there because we wanted all the all-rounders with us. It’s an unfortunate thing that he has to miss out but we had no option but to get the guys who can perform a certain role. I personally feel that we have guys who can bowl with the new ball and be effective in the middle and then effective at the back end so you need to cover all three facets of the game,” the former India pacer added.
India to play against Pakistan on February 23
India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a much-awaited match against Pakistan on February 23. The absence of Siraj will place additional pressure on the selected pace attack, which includes Bumrah, Arshdeep and Mohammed Shami.
As India prepares for these crucial matches, all eyes will be on how the selected bowlers perform without one of their most effective pacers. The selectors’ strategy will be put to the test as they aim for success in one of cricket’s most prestigious tournaments.
