Indian squads for the home ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have been announced on Saturday (January 18). However, the experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj has been surprisingly dropped from both squads. In the press conference, Indian captain Rohit Sharma hinted why the 30-year-old right-arm fast bowler isn’t in the ODI team. 

India are set for the home five-match T20I series against England, starting on January 22. Then India will host a three-match ODI series against England before traveling to Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19.

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah doubtful for the England ODI series

Mohammed Siraj took 20 wickets in Australia

Mohammed Siraj has missed out on all the white-ball squads for the upcoming assignments. Although he took 20 wickets in the recently completed Test series in Australia and finished as the fourth most wicket-taker in the series, he has been criticised for underperforming on that tour. 

Siraj was the star of the Asia Cup 2023 (ODI format) Final against Sri Lanka, where his six-wicket haul destroyed the Lankan team for only 50 runs. After that match, Siraj took 18 wickets in 15 ODIs with an average of 38.55 and an economy rate of 5.95. 

It’s unfortunate if he misses out: Rohit Sharma on Mohammed Siraj

In the press conference, Indian captain Rohit Sharma clarified that they wanted a helpful bowler who can be effective with both the new and old balls. While Siraj’s effectiveness comes down with the older ball, the Indian captain has chosen the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who has 12 wickets in eight ODIs. Arshdeep likes to dominate in the early powerplay as well as in the slog overs with his incredible swing and yorker deliveries. 

Rohit said, “Siraj’s effectiveness comes down if he doesn’t use the new ball. It’s unfortunate if he misses out.” 

Siraj has taken 100 wickets in 36 Tests, 71 wickets in 44 ODIs, and 14 wickets in 16 T20Is.