Mohammed Siraj’s consistent omission from India’s ODI and T20I sides has ignited a debate, with Aakash Chopra publicly questioning the decision. Following India’s loss in the second ODI against South Africa, Chopra expressed his surprise at the way a highly capable fast bowler has been seemingly relegated to Test cricket. This shift towards Siraj being a ‘Test specialist’ has perplexed many who recall his significant contributions and effectiveness in limited-overs internationals. Siraj’s arsenal, including potent new-ball swing, pinpoint accuracy, and bounce-generating abilities, once made him a formidable force across all formats. His devastating seven-wicket spell in the Asia Cup 2023 final remains a testament to his match-winning pedigree.
On his digital platforms, Chopra openly stated his difficulty in comprehending Siraj’s current situation. He highlighted that even without taking many wickets, Siraj bowled economically in recent T20 matches against Australia. Despite this, he’s been sidelined from white-ball selections. Chopra also drew attention to the selective application of opportunities, noting that bowlers like Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna are being given more chances in ODIs and T20Is. The exclusion of Siraj from the Champions Trophy 2025 squad, despite being India’s top ODI wicket-taker two years prior, has been a major point of contention, with Chopra calling for greater transparency.
The Indian selectors appear to be prioritizing the development of younger fast bowlers for future ICC events. However, some analysts believe that a policy of excessive rotation could be detrimental, preventing the team from building a settled and experienced pace attack. In limited-overs cricket, a bowler’s ability to adapt to varying conditions and handle pressure is crucial. Siraj’s skill set, particularly his ability to exploit the new ball and control the middle overs, makes him a valuable asset in tournaments. Chopra’s intervention has reopened crucial discussions about the clarity of selection policies, responsible workload management, and a coherent plan for India’s pace bowling contingent.
