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Mohammed Siraj reveals why India dropped him for Champions Trophy and Asia Cup

Jatin

Siraj has been a consistent performer in Test cricket [Source: AFP]Siraj has been a consistent performer in Test cricket [Source: AFP]

Mohammed Siraj has always been a man of grit, a fast bowler who doesn’t just bowl spells, he bowls heart. But for all his fire and consistency, the Hyderabad pacer found himself watching from the sidelines as India played two major white-ball tournaments this year.

Siraj opens up on missing Asia Cup and Champions Trophy

Despite being India’s top wicket-taker in the five-match Test series against England, Siraj was left out of the Asia Cup 2025 squad, just as he had been earlier for the Champions Trophy in Dubai. And now, the speedster has finally opened up on what really happened behind the scenes.

In a candid chat with Express Sports, Siraj revealed there were no hard feelings about the omissions, just clarity and communication from skipper Rohit Sharma and the management.

“I’m 200 per cent confident of doing well in all three formats when given a chance. We played the Champions Trophy in Dubai, there was heat, and we needed more spinners there, that’s why I wasn’t picked. Rohit (Sharma) bhai told me that most of the bowling would be done by spinners and he didn’t want me to go there and just sit on the bench. He told me to spend time with family, practise and work on my fitness,” Siraj said.

It is not often that players take being dropped in stride but Mohammed Siraj’s response showed maturity beyond numbers. Instead of sulking, he chose to see the bigger picture.

“The Asia Cup was right after we had returned from the five Tests in England, so it was an opportunity to rest a bit,” he added, explaining how the decision was as much about workload as it was about team balance.

Siraj back at it and right on the money

If anyone thought a couple of omissions would dull his edge, Siraj’s comeback against West Indies in the first Test at Ahmedabad proved otherwise. Back in whites, back in rhythm, he tore through the Caribbean line-up with a spell full of venom.

The right-arm pacer picked 7 wickets in the match: 4 in the first innings and 3 in the second, helping India cruise to an innings-and-140-run win at the Narendra Modi Stadium

Siraj is now gearing up for the second Test in Delhi, starting October 10. If Ahmedabad was any indication, the man looks ready to continue his purple patch.