Why is Mohammed Siraj not part of Indian cricket team for Champions Trophy 2025?

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been dropped for the upcoming ODI series against England and Champions Trophy 2025. The 30-year-old was expected to be part of the team and lead the bowling attack with Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. The media asked skipper Rohit Sharma and the chief selector about Siraj being ignored. 

Rohit Sharma replied “We are not sure about Bumrah, whether he was going to play or not. So, we thought we wanted someone who could bowl with the new ball and at the backend. So, we picked Arshdeep to bowl at the backend. Shami, we all saw what he can do with the new ball”

The Indian skipper also said “Siraj, his effectiveness comes down when he is not bowling with the new ball. It's an unfortunate thing that he has to miss out. But, we had no option get the guys who could perform a certain role. I personally feel we have guys who can bowl with the new ball, bowl in the middle and bowl at the backend. With these three bowlers, we think we can do that. 

Also Read:Champions Trophy India Squad 2025: Complete List of Indian Players

Arshdeep Singh picked for his death bowling ability 

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been picked as one of the three pacers for the upcoming white-ball engagements. Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar stressed the need for a bowler with death bowling ability. Arshdeep has played just eight ODI matches and picked 12 wickets with one fifer against South Africa during the 2023 tour. 

Speaking about Arshdeep Singh, India’s skipper said “Arshdeep hasn't played a lot of ODIs, but he has been in the white-ball set-up for a long time. I don't think I feel comfortable saying he is not experienced. He has played T20Is, bowled under pressure”

The 37-year-old also lavished praise on Mohammed Shami when he said “Shami is a stalwart in white-ball cricket”. Young pacer Harshit Rana has been picked as a backup with Bumrah’s fitness still up in the air. Rohit said “Harshit, we needed something different. He has shown he has got the potential. So, we need to back him”

The decision to ignore Mohammed Siraj will bring a lot of questions as the right-arm pacer was one of the best bowlers during the Australian tour. The 30-year-old played a key part with the ball during the 2023 ODI World Cup where India reached the finals.