Fans support Mohammad Siraj after Champions Trophy snub [Source: @mohammedsirajofficial/Instagram, @@memes_hallabol, @DE_WA05/X.com]
India finalised their squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy with Jasprit Bumrah getting officially ruled out. As replacement, the team chose Harshit Rana over Mohammad Siraj which angered cricket fans on social media.
Team India faced a serious setback during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar series as Jasprit Bumrah was diagnosed with a lower back injury. His participation in the Champions Trophy was uncertain, though the selection committee included him in the preliminary squad.
However, on February 11, India officially ruled Bumrah out of the tournament and announced youngster Harshit Rana as his replacement. Additionally, Varun Chakravarthy replaced Yashasvi Jaiswal on the squad.
Fans sympathise with Siraj after Champions Trophy snub
Meanwhile, the decision to include Harshit Rana didn’t sit well with fans. They argued that Mohammad Siraj, a seasoned all-format player is a much better choice compared to Rana, who just made his ODI debut with the 3-game series against England.
Fans on social media showered support to Siraj and heavily criticised the Gautam Gambhir led management for being unfair to the fast bowler.
Siraj, in 44 ODIs, has picked up 71 wickets with 5.18 economy. He also has a five-wicket-haul and two four-wicket-hauls.
During a press conference with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma before the series against England, Rohit said that Siraj was left out because he isn't doing well with the new ball.
This comment started a lot of talk among cricket fans and experts who called Rohit a hypocrite. But the decision stands, and Harshit Rana, Mohammad Shami, and Arshdeep Singh will be the main fast bowlers for India in the Champions Trophy 2025.