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Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina believes that Mohammed Siraj can still be a part of India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that if Jasprit Bumrah fails to regain his full fitness, then there are chances that the latter will be added to the squad.
In the biggest shocker in terms of selection, Mohammed Siraj was dropped from India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This was because India decided to go with just three fast bowlers Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
Mohammed Siraj was not even a backup, BCCI appointed Harshit Rana as cover for Bumrah
But there are also concerns about Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness. The fast bowler got injured during the last match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and then, after that, he did not look in good form. Ajit Agarkar mentioned that though they have named a pacer in the squad, they are not sure about his availability.
But what was surprising was that Mohammed Siraj was not even a reserve as Harshit Rana was named as a cover for Bumrah in India’s ODI squad for the home series against England. With Siraj missing, Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar also faced a lot of criticism.
I feel Mohammed Siraj can come back into the side if Bumrah is not fully fit – Suresh Raina
While talking about the omission of Mohammed Siraj, Suresh Raina was hopeful that the pacer would be added to the squad. The former Indian cricketer also praised Harshit Rana but did not shy away from saying that Siraj is a better option. Speaking to Star Sports, he explained:
“Siraj was in different form in Australia but you can change the team till February 12. So I feel Siraj can come back into the side if Bumrah is not fully fit.”
“Harshit Rana has done well. He has good pace, good bouncer, variation, yorker and pace. He and Arshdeep Singh both can bat at the death but I still feel Siraj is a better option if Bumrah is not there.”
Shami missing match practice, Bumrah still uncertain, Kuldeep back from surgery – Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina also feels that with uncertainty over Jasprit Bumrah and uncertainty over Mohammed Shami’s pace, Kuldeep Yadav will play a big role for the team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He explained:
“Shami is missing match practice, Bumrah is still uncertain and Kuldeep is coming back from surgery. It will be important to see who partners Kuldeep in the spin department.”
Mohammed Shami last played for India in the ICC World Cup 2023. He will make a comeback in the upcoming three-match T20I series in England. Kuldeep Yadav, on the other hand, got injured during the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand and will return for the ODI series.
