When did Mohammed Siraj become a single-format player? Ex-India star blasts Gautam Gambhir after Raipur ODI embarrassment

When did Mohammed Siraj become a single-format player? Ex-India star blasts Gautam Gambhir after Raipur ODI embarrassment

India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, and selectors have come under scrutiny following India’s tough loss to South Africa in the second ODI, which has raised questions about the absence of pacer Mohammed Siraj in the ODI setup. Despite his proven track record as a match-winner in high-pressure games, Siraj seems to have been sidelined as a one-format player under Gambhir’s leadership, leaving former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra puzzled.

## Aakash Chopra Questions the Selection Decisions

In the second ODI against South Africa, India seemed to have done everything right with the bat, with Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad scoring centuries to help India post a massive total of 359. However, the bowling unit failed to defend the target, with Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Kuldeep Yadav leaking runs and struggling to make an impact on the game.

Aakash Chopra, in response to India’s bowling woes, criticized Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for not including Mohammed Siraj in the ODI squad. Chopra expressed his confusion over Siraj’s sudden absence from the limited-overs formats, especially considering his past performances and success as a key player for the Men in Blue.

## Mohammed Siraj’s Mysterious Absence

Not too long ago, Mohammed Siraj was hailed as the world’s number one ranked ODI bowler and a vital asset for India in both Test and 50-over cricket. However, he has been inexplicably left out of the ODI and T20I squads, raising questions about the selectors’ decisions. Despite being fit and actively participating in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, Siraj continues to be overlooked in favor of less experienced players who have failed to deliver in crucial moments.

While Siraj was recently part of India’s Test squad against South Africa, his absence from the limited-overs formats, including the upcoming T20I series, has left many fans and experts like Chopra bewildered. The former cricketer highlighted Siraj’s exceptional skills and contributions to the team in the past, making his exclusion from ODIs and T20Is even more baffling.

## The Mystery Behind Siraj’s Exclusion

As Aakash Chopra pointed out, Mohammed Siraj’s sudden disappearance from the ODI and T20I squads remains a topic of discussion and debate among cricket enthusiasts. Despite his talent, experience, and proven abilities on the field, Siraj is yet to find a place in India’s limited-overs setup, raising questions about the selectors’ criteria and decision-making process.

Chopra’s remarks shed light on the need for transparency and clarity in the selection process, especially when it comes to players like Mohammed Siraj, who have showcased their potential and performance at the highest level. As the cricketing world awaits answers to Siraj’s exclusion, the spotlight remains on Gambhir, Agarkar, and the selectors to provide justification for their choices and address the concerns raised by fans and experts alike.

### The Impact of Mohammed Siraj’s Exclusion

Mohammed Siraj’s absence from the ODI and T20I squads has not only raised eyebrows but also impacted India’s bowling department significantly. With his ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver crucial breakthroughs, Siraj’s exclusion has left a void in the team’s pace attack. His absence has been particularly felt in high-scoring matches like the recent ODI against South Africa, where India’s bowlers struggled to contain the opposition batsmen.

Furthermore, Siraj’s experience and composure under pressure make him a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket, where his knack for picking up wickets at key moments can turn the tide of the game. By overlooking Siraj in favor of younger, less seasoned bowlers, the selectors risk missing out on a match-winner who has consistently delivered when called upon.

### The Need for a Balanced Bowling Attack

Aakash Chopra’s criticism of the selection decisions underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced bowling attack in ODI cricket. While India’s batting lineup has often been touted as one of the strongest in the world, the team’s success also hinges on a potent bowling unit that can restrict opposition teams and take wickets regularly.

With the likes of Mohammed Siraj sitting on the sidelines, India’s bowling resources may not be optimized to their full potential. Including Siraj in the ODI squad could provide the team with a versatile and skillful bowler who can adapt to different conditions and deliver impactful performances when it matters most. As India looks to fine-tune its strategies and selections for upcoming series, the role of experienced campaigners like Siraj cannot be overlooked.

### The Call for Transparency in Selection Processes

The omission of Mohammed Siraj from India’s limited-overs squads has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the selection processes. Fans and experts alike are eager to understand the rationale behind excluding a proven performer like Siraj, especially when his presence could bolster India’s chances of success in crucial matches.

By fostering clearer communication and openness in selection decisions, the Indian cricket board can build trust with stakeholders and ensure that players are chosen based on merit and performance rather than arbitrary criteria. As the debate surrounding Siraj’s exclusion continues to simmer, it is imperative for the selectors to address concerns and provide clarity on their decision-making process to uphold the integrity of Indian cricket.

In conclusion, the absence of Mohammed Siraj from India’s ODI and T20I squads has sparked a wave of speculation and critique, prompting calls for a reevaluation of selection policies and priorities. As the team navigates through challenging series and competitions, the inclusion of proven match-winners like Siraj could be the key to unlocking India’s full potential on the field and achieving success in the international arena.

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