Mohammed Siraj. Pic Credits: X

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 : Suresh Raina Quite Sure Mohammed Siraj Would Play Marquee Tournament If Jasprit Bumrah Is Not Fit

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Suresh Raina believes Mohammed Siraj could make a Champions Trophy comeback if Jasprit Bumrah remains unfit for the tournament. Amidst concerns regarding India’s pace department with Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness concerns and Mohammed Shami only just making his return to international cricket in over a year, Suresh Raina reckons that Mohammed Siraj can still make his way into the squad that will take part in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 in the United Arab Emirates later this year.

India’s Champions Trophy squad was announced on Saturday, and Mohammed Siraj is not included in the 15-member team. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Shami are the three fast bowlers picked for the eight-team tournament, beginning February 19, 2025.

Mohammed Siraj excluded from the Champions Trophy squad for India

In India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad, the pace department has been a major concern with senior stars in the race to return to being fit for the tournament. Shami will have to make his case for selection in the upcoming white-ball games against England while Bumrah’s availability remains a mystery.

Another surprising call that was taken by the Indian cricket board was to not pick Mohammed Siraj, who, along with Bumrah and Shami, were the fast-bowling trio that featured in India’s 2023 World Cup campaign, where they made the final. Mohammed Siraj’s form was a big concern in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, where he finished with 20 wickets and was India’s second-highest wicket-taker in the series behind Bumrah.

Despite the concerns regarding Mohammed Siraj’s selection, the former Indian cricketer, Suresh Raina, has backed the Hyderabad pacer to make his way back into the side and feels that he is the ideal option to replace Bumrah should the pace spearhead be unable to return to fitness.

Suresh Raina Backs Mohammed Siraj For Champions Trophy 2025 Spot Amid Jasprit Bumrah’s Fitness Concerns

Former India batter Suresh Raina reckons that Mohammed Siraj can be a part of the Men in Blue’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad if Jasprit Bumrah fails to prove his fitness for the ICC event. While Harshit Rana has been named as a cover for Bumrah in India’s ODI squad for the home series against England, Raina believes that Siraj would be a better option for the Champions Trophy.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar named India’s 15-man Champions Trophy 2025 squad on Saturday, January 18. While Bumrah was picked, Agarkar made it clear that his availability was subject to fitness. Siraj was dropped from the squad as India picked Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh as the other pacers.

Speaking on Star Sports Press Room, Raina opined that the selectors must pick Mohammed Siraj over Rana in case Bumrah is unable to recover in time for the Champions Trophy. He said (as quoted by PTI):

“Siraj was in a different form in Australia but you can change the squad till 12 February. So I feel Siraj can be back in the side if Bumrah is not fully fit.”

“Harshit Rana has done well. He has good pace, good bumper, variation, yorker and pace. He and both Arshdeep Singh can bowl at the death, but I still feel Siraj is a better option if Bumrah is not there,” the 38-year-old went on to add.

Bumrah was the standout performer during India’s Test tour of Australia, picking up 32 wickets in five Tests. The right-arm pacer, however, did not bowl on the last day of the series in Sydney due to back spasms. While Shami has been named in the Champions Trophy squad, he will be making his international comeback during the white-ball series against England, having recovered from a heel injury.

While there is uncertainty over Bumrah ahead of the Champions Trophy, India will hope Shami finds his bowling rhythm during the white-ball series against England at home. Raina opined that left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav could play a vital role in the matches that will be played in Dubai, but pointed out that he too has undergone surgery. The 38-year-old commented:

“Shami lacks match practice, Bumrah is still uncertain and Kuldeep is returning back from an operation. What will be important is to see who will partner Kuldeep in the spin department.”

While Shami’s last appearance in international cricket came in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Kuldeep has been out of action since the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand in October 2024. He even underwent a groin surgery in Germany. It is important to state that Mohammed Siraj has a good record in ODIs, picking 71 wickets in 44 matches. He was also a part of India’s 2023 World Cup campaign, where Rohit Sharma and co managed to reach the final.

With Bumrah and Shami’s uncertainties, the selectors will have to dip into their reserves, and Mohammed Siraj’s experience in the big tournaments could make him the ideal candidate as a replacement for either. However, his wicket-taking abilities are a big concern of late and have been under the shadow of Bumrah and Shami’s brilliance even in India’s ODI World Cup campaign. It remains a mystery as to whether Mohammed Siraj can re-discover his best form ahead of the tournament as well.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: “Side Arm Specialists In India Need To Work Hard To Prepare Batters For Tough Times”- Abhishek Jain Gives His Invaluable Insights


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