‘He has been totally sidelined’ – Former India player stumped after Mohammed Siraj is dropped from ODI setup

Former Indian opening batter Aakash Chopra has expressed shock over the recent selection call made by Indian selectors. 30-year-old pacer Mohammed Siraj wasn’t considered for the ODI series against England or the 2025 Champions Trophy tournament. Many fans were outraged with the move, as Siraj has been one of India’s best white-ball bowlers. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said, “There is no place for Mohammed Siraj. He had not done that wrong that he has been totally sidelined. I feel for DSP. Siraj, I am feeling for you. Siraj's name should have been on this team. One spinner less could have been picked and the rest is looking okay."

Jasprit Bumrah has been named in the Champions Trophy squad, with Harshit Rana as backup in the England series. This move further stumped the 47-year-old, who said, “When you pick only three pacers, among whom you have to play two, and it includes two pacers whose fitness you are not sure of, it is not a great story. The squad for the England series was also announced and Harshit Rana is the 16th member in that. It means even Harshit Rana is ahead of Siraj in the ODI queue, which is again a little surprising.”

Aakash Chopra questions BCCI over Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion 

Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah has been under the spotlight over his injury concerns, which occurred during the SCG Test match. BCCI decided to include Bumrah, who is likely to feature at some point during the ODI series against England. It will be a huge litmus test for the pacer if he has to play the ICC Champions Trophy tournament. 

Aakash Chopra said, “Only three fast bowlers are there, and that is big news for me. If you are picking three fast bowlers, it means your thought process is to play only two out of the three. If you wanted to play three, you would have picked four. It's as simple as that. It means you have decided that you might play three spinners. You have almost played your hand before anything has started.”

“You have picked three fast bowlers, and in that, no one knows anything about Jasprit Bumrah's fitness. The chairman, Ajit Agarkar was asked and he also said he doesn't know as of now. He will hopefully get fit. Mohammed Shami is probably fit but we don't know how his form and international fitness will be. Arshdeep is now being played in ODIs,” the 47-year-old former India star ended by saying.