Workout
Meditation
Contact Us
Ajit Agarkarthe head coach of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)has addressed the notable omission of the fast bowler Mohammed Siraj of Team India for ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The announcement has sparked significant discussion among cricket fans and analysts about the rationale behind this decision.
Reason for Mohammed Siraj’s exclusion
During the press conference, which was also attended by the Indian captain Rohit SharmaAgarkar explained that the selectors had to make difficult decisions based on the team composition and strategy.
“But that’s simply because we thought about it. We are not sure [Jasprit] Bumrah (to be ready for the third ODI against England), whether he is going to play or not. We wanted to pick a team where we had options for both, someone to play with the new ball and someone to play at the back. Obviously, with Bumrah gone, we’re not sure.
Agarkar emphasized that Siraj’s effectiveness decreases when he is not used as a new-ball bowler, which influenced his decision to select Arshdeep Singh instead.
“We wanted Arshdeep to come and play that role of bowling at the back and [Mohammed] Shami, obviously we saw what he did with the new ball and that’s where we feel Siraj’s effectiveness goes down a little bit if he’s not going to take the new ball.
Also READ: Rohit Sharma explains why Mohammed Siraj has not been picked in the Indian team for the Champions Trophy 2025
“We discussed it at length and we will only take three seamers there because we wanted all the all-rounders to be with us. It’s a shame to miss out, but we had no choice but to get the guys who could play a certain role. “Personally, I think we have guys who can bowl with the new ball and be effective in the middle and then effective in the backfield, so all three facets of the game need to be covered.” added the former India pacer.
India will play Pakistan on February 23
India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on February 23. Siraj’s absence will put additional pressure on the selected pace attack, which includes Bumrah, Arshdeep and Mohamed 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.
