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Explained: Why Has Rohit Sharma's India Dropped Mohammed Siraj For Champions Trophy?

Debashis Sarangi

Siraj has been excluded from Champions Trophy squad [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]Siraj has been excluded from Champions Trophy squad [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]

In a significant development, India have announced a formidable 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy tournament. Captain Rohit Sharma and the BCCI selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar unveiled the squad that will feature in the Champions Trophy in Dubai this year. 

In a shocking move, India have left out ace speedster Mohammed Siraj from their Champions Trophy squad. While Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh made it into the team, Siraj won't be a part of the showpiece event. 

Why Have India Dropped Mohammed Siraj For Champions Trophy?

Non-Performance In Sri Lanka Series

  • Hailed for his ability to make the new ball talk, Mohammed Siraj was a disappointment in the Sri Lanka ODIs, managing only three wickets at a modest average of 52.33 and a strike rate of 50. 
  • A sharp decline in his wicket-taking ability might be the reason behind his exclusion from India's Champions Trophy squad. 

Arshdeep Preferred For Left-Arm Variety

  • While Jasprit Bumrah and Shami were the obvious choices, Arshdeep was a surprising inclusion, replacing Siraj in the squad. Arshdeep is in sublime form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scalping 20 wickets in seven matches at an average of 18.25 and a strike rate of 19.45. 
  • Being a left-arm pacer, Arshdeep also ensures variety in India's pace bowling department. He can swing the ball up front and could be an upgrade over Siraj in the slog overs. 

Multi-dimensional players over specialists

  • India have preferred batting depth for the subcontinental playing conditions in Dubai. As revealed by Rohit Sharma, India have preferred several all-rounders, including the likes of Pandya, Axar, Jadeja and Washington Sundar. 
  • As there were several multi-dimensional players included, there was no slot available for Siraj, who is a specialist seamer.