"Reset, Restart, Refocus": Mohammed Siraj Hits the Gym After Missing Out on India’s Squads for IND vs ENG ODIs and ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammed Siraj, despite his solid performances in shorter formats of cricket, wasn't picked for the ODI series against England or for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This move by the BCCI, favoring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh as the top pace options, caused a problem, especially since Siraj has been a key player for India's bowling team before.

The IND vs ENG ODI series is starting on February 8 and the ICC Champions Trophy follows right after on February 19. This decision puzzled a lot of fans and made some of the former cricketers upset. Reacting to this, Indian captain Rohit Sharma admitted feeling unhappy about Siraj being left out. Mr. Sharma mentioned that Siraj's game with the new ball wasn't up to mark lately, which might have swayed the selectors.

Mohammed Siraj is getting ready for the Great Comeback. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/8e1Z0bNxdN

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 20, 2025

This situation points out the tight competition among India's fast bowlers, with Bumrah and Shami currently leading the pack. But Siraj isn't simply sitting back. Instead of letting this get him down, he's excited and ready to show what he's made of  Siraj shared a gym photo on Instagram with the words: Reset, Restart, Refocus. This clearly shows he's not out of the game just yet and is taking steps to recover stronger.

ALSO READ: Sanjiv Goenka : Rishabh Pant as IPL’s Next Great Captain

This shows us that when the situation appears tight, there's always room to refocus and aim for a comeback. Siraj is unfathomably determined and focused, and he's not letting missing out on major tournaments stop him from chasing his dream to play for India at the top level. It's a small fact that being fit and mentally ready is vitally important for him as he tries to impress the selectors in the future.

Today, he's noticeably about getting in shape, hitting the gym hard and making completely sure his thoughts are in the right place. The path to making it major isn't straight, and Siraj knows setbacks are just things that make him want to succeed even more. Everyone's keeping an eye on how he's doing in local matches and checking if he's staying fit, hoping he'll earn his spot back on the national team. Since Siraj is wholly invested in his goal to make an excellent comeback to the Indian team, he's definitely someone who keeps thinking about the future.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 3 Unlucky Indian Players Who Missed Out

India’s 15 member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was announced on January 18, and while the team boosts a strong lineup, a few big names missed out on selection. These players have been in remarkable form recently and can consider themselves unlucky. Here’s a look at three such players:

1. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj’s A large number of fans didn't think Mohammed Siraj would be left out, but he was. Mister Siraj has been very good at dismissing players in cricket since 2023. Siraj got 47 players out, and only one person, Kuldeep Yadav, got more than him.He got 53 people out. But the selectors who decide who plays picked Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh to be the main fast bowlers for the important games instead of Siraj.

To swing the ball both ways and deliver in high pressure situations has been a key factor in India’s success across formats. His performances in the last two years made a strong case for inclusion, but the competition for places in the squad proved too stiff. While Siraj’s absence is a blow to his fans, it underscores the depth of India’s pace bowling resources.

ALSO READ: Watch: Coldplay's Chris Martin Gives a Shoutout to Jasprit Bumrah at Mumbai Concert

2. Karun Nair

Everyone thought Karun Nair would play in the Champions Trophy because he did very well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Before the major last event, he got an average of 752 runs, which is really good. In only seven times at bat, he made five major100's and one 50. The people choosing the players saw his doing very well and couldn't ignore him.

However, as chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained, finding a spot in a star studded Indian batting lineup is no easy task. “You look at the guys who have been picked, all average well in excess of mid 40s. Unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in a squad of 15,” Agarkar said. While Nair’s exclusion is unfortunate, it highlights the immense competition for spots in the Indian team.

3. Sanju Samson

Fans are surprised that Sanju Samson is not playing, because he's really proficient at changing his approach for different times in a match. Sanju is famous for being able to play carefully, like at the No. 3 spot, or be the best hitter at the No. 6 spot. In a game in 2023 against South Africa, he obtained 100 runs all by himself. Also he's made 510 runs in 16 of those one-day games, and that includes getting more than 50 runs three times and that one time he got 100 runs.

In T20Is, Samson’s record is equally commendable, with 810 runs in 37 matches, featuring three centuries and a fifty. Notably, two of these centuries came in a T20I series against South Africa, underlining his ability to perform in challenging conditions. Despite his stellar credentials, the selectors chose to go with other options, leaving many fans and experts questioning the decision.

Mohammed Siraj, Karun Nair, and Sanju Samson didn't get to be on the Champions Trophy team because there are so many other talented players in India. This shows that cricket in India is clearly utterly tough and difficult and full of great players. Even though it's sad they aren't playing now, they are strong and probably will come back even better. Today, we are all looking at the players who did get to go as the team gets ready for the important ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a cricket tournament; it’s a spectacle that captivates millions of fans worldwide. The seventeenth season of this IPL festival will start on 22nd March 2024 between the five-time title holder and defending champions, Chennai Super Kings, and one of the most loyal franchises, Royal Challengers Bangalore. It will be interesting to see how the team will perform this season because we will have this IPL season in two parts due to the assembly election in India. 

The schedule for the first half has been announced, and the other half will be declared soon by BCCI. Apart from team performance, two of their performances will grab attention: Purple cap winner (the player who will take the most wickets in a season) and orange cap winner (the player who scored the most in a season).  

See Also: “It’s infectious the way Virat…”: RCB skipper on batting with Virat Kohli

Among the many accolades, the Purple Cap is a coveted prize awarded to the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. As we gear up for IPL 2024, let’s delve into the potential contenders for the Purple Cap and what sets them apart.

Jasprit Bumrah: The Yorker Specialist

Jasprit Bumrah, synonymous with lethal yorkers and impeccable line and length, is pivotal in the Mumbai Indians’ bowling arsenal. Despite missing the 2023 IPL due to injury, his stellar performances in international cricket hint at his readiness to dominate IPL 2024. With 145 wickets in 120 IPL matches at an average of 23.30, Bumrah is a formidable contender.

Yuzvendra Chahal: The Spin Maestro

In the Rajasthan Royals’ camp, Yuzvendra Chahal’s guile and variety add depth to their bowling attack. With 187 wickets in 145 IPL matches at an average of 21.69, Chahal’s ability to adapt to different conditions and pick crucial wickets makes him a genuine threat for the Purple Cap in IPL 2024.

Rashid Khan: The Afghan Sensation

Joining Gujarat Titans, Rashid Khan brings his spin magic to the fore. Despite a lower back injury setback, his track record of 139 wickets in 109 IPL matches at an average of 20.76 showcases his prowess. Rashid’s ability to take wickets on any surface makes him a prime candidate for the Purple Cap.

Mohammed Siraj: The Shining Star

Mohammed Siraj’s meteoric rise in the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s ranks has been remarkable. With 78 wickets in 79 IPL matches at an average of 29.83, Siraj’s pace and accuracy have troubled many batters. With impressive performances in IPL 2023 and other international competitions, Siraj has showcased his ability to deliver under pressure. His knack for picking crucial wickets under pressure makes him a dark horse for the Purple Cap. 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The Swing King

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a two-time Purple Cap winner, remains a seasoned campaigner in the IPL. With 170 wickets in 160 matches at an average of 25.86, Bhuvi’s ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver pinpoint yorkers threatens opposition batters. Despite facing challenges with injuries, his experience and skill make him a contender for the Purple Cap in IPL 2024.

Each of these bowlers brings unique strengths to the table. Whether it’s Bumrah’s toe-crushing yorkers, Chahal’s strategic variations, Rashid’s spin prowess, Siraj’s pace, or Bhuvi’s swing and seam movement, their skills make them formidable contenders for the Purple Cap.

Factors such as current form, match conditions, team strategies, and opponents will determine the Purple Cap winner in IPL 2024. With the stakes high and competition fierce, fans can expect an exhilarating battle among these bowling stalwarts.

As the countdown to IPL 2024 commences, the race for the Purple Cap promises to be intense and captivating. With a lineup of formidable bowlers vying for supremacy, cricket enthusiasts can anticipate thrilling battles and memorable performances on the field. Whether it’s Bumrah’s yorker barrage or Rashid’s spin magic, the stage is set for an enthralling spectacle in the quest for the Purple Cap.

ICC Men’s ODI Rankings: Four years ago, a promising young Indian batsman made his debut against the formidable New Zealand bowling attack in Hamilton, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse of his future potential. The anticipation surrounding him was so immense that even the great Virat Kohli endorsed his prodigious talent as “ten times” greater than his own when he was 19.

Dominance in the ODI Rankings

Although Shubman Gill’s inaugural ODI innings didn’t quite meet the lofty expectations, it served as a preview of his eventual batting mastery in the years to come. Fast forward to November 8, 2023, Gill accomplished a remarkable feat, ascending to the World No.1 ranking in just 41 innings in his career, a feat surpassed only by the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

On the other hand, Indian pace sensation Mohammed Siraj has once again ascended to the pinnacle of the rankings, with a rating of 709. This marks his third stint as the top-ranked bowler. He initially claimed the top spot between January and March 2023 but temporarily surrendered it to Josh Hazlewood.

However, Siraj’s exceptional performance in the Asia Cup, where he secured ten wickets with an impressive average of 12.20, propelled him up the rankings by eight positions, restoring him to the summit. Most recently, the Hyderabad prodigy overtook Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi to reclaim his crown.

Babar Azam’s reign as the top-ranked batter endured an impressive 950 days, and it took a remarkable year of exceptional form for Shubman to finally dethrone the Pakistani captain. As of now, the Indian opener boasts a six-point lead over Babar, with a rating of 830 to Babar’s 824.

Gill’s ascent to the summit was powered by his outstanding performance in India’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup campaign. Notably, he becomes only the fourth Indian player to hold the coveted No.1 ODI batter ranking, joining the elite company of Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli.

Gill’s meteoric rise to the top can be attributed to his exceptional form in 2023, accumulating an impressive 1449 runs in 26 innings during the calendar year, including 219 runs from six innings in the ODI World Cup 2023.

See Also:Anamul Haque to Step in as Replacement for Injured Bangladesh Skipper Shakib Al Hasan in World Cup 2023

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli’s exceptional showing in the World Cup propelled him three positions up the rankings, placing him just one rating point away from South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, who currently holds the third spot. Notably, Indian captain Rohit Sharma secured the sixth position in the latest rankings.

The bowling rankings also feature a strong Indian presence, with Kuldeep Yadav climbing three places to secure the fourth position, Jasprit Bumrah advancing three spots to claim the eighth position, and Mohammed Shami surging seven places to comfortably settle in the 10th position.

Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh, continues to maintain his status as the No.1 ranked all-rounder. Additionally, Team India retains its commanding position at the top of the rankings, a testament to their consistent excellence.

Mohammad Siraj leading a young pace attack was slowly realizing the magnitude of the moment with crucial and relatively easier WTC Points on the line. West Indies though aware of the difficulty to push for a win were keen on batting time. A dead track making life tough for Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja made it easier for the West Indies batters to hold the Indian bowling attack.

Often such moments had India in a huge spot of bother in the past. With an unresponsive pitch and stubborn batters, India have often found themselves struggling for ideas and inspiration. It happened in the WTC Finals when India were reluctant to bowl short to a Travis Head who had India completely on the back foot.

While the Stubborn batters may be lower in quality when compared to the likes of Travis Head and Steve Smith, the inspiration from Mohammad Siraj does come as a good sign. Statistically he is one of the toughest quick bowlers to face at the moment with the false shots he creates. His aggression with the ball and as a personality to has helped fuel his bowling further making him a force even on the raging turners in Nagpur and Delhi.

On the fourth morning though, with West Indies stubborn to not make things easy for India Mohammad Siraj had to turn the game around. He found a way to get the ball moving and with the new ball still doing its tricks, Siraj got a fair bit of deliveries to cut into batters with subtle changes in length. After being around in Test cricket for 2 and a half years, Mohammad Siraj, with a spell that got him moving the ball of a tough length sees him find his way as a complete fast bowler.

3.4 overs is all it took as he managed to pick up the four wickets to break the West Indies resistance with Mukesh Kumar supporting him from the other end. While the series may be seen as an easy one with respect to the stage of their opponents Mohammad Siraj, without Shami and Bumrah will know that he has grown enough to handle a pace attack overseas.

The way India began Day 2 of the World Test Championship final was pretty much the same: Erratic. If there is ever a good time for a bowling team to strike, it is the first hour of a new day. Travis Head and Steve Smith continued to frustrate the opposition, so it was far from a rit. Smith finished his 31st Test century, while Travis Head arrived at his 150 as India’s speed bowling couple of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj watched out of choices.

Mohammed Siraj gave Smith back-to-back half-volleys in the day’s first over, allowing the former Australia captain to score consecutive boundaries and reach the three-figure mark.

Such a lazy start did not impress Sunil Gavaskar one bit, who was clearly stunned and said: 

“What is happening? I mean these are the second and third deliveries of the day”.

Gavaskar said

When Siraj ran in to bowl the following ball, Smith abruptly withdrew due to issues with the Spider-cam. However, Siraj was not enjoying it enough. Siraj frustrated threw the ball back at the stumps despite stopping in his delivery stride. The India quick was unimpressed as Smith attempted to explain to Siraj why he was not playing the delivery while pointing at the Spider-cam. Siraj had received a sounding off from his captain, Rohit Sharma, during the previous delivery, and the fact that he had to stop when he was really steaming irritated him even more.

WATCH VIDEO HERE:

“Steve Smith just backing away. Didn’t please Siraj but Smith had every right to move out of the way. It’s more the frustration of Siraj being hit for two boundaries. He got run off by Rohit Sharma the previous ball,”

said Ravi Shastri on air.

However, the incident ended up being a blessing in disguise for India, and Siraj in particular

Siraj began bending his back as a result of the Smith incident and was eventually rewarded with Head’s wicket. Regardless of having Head in a spot with a flood of short conveyances – one that made them jump and the other skying the ball with a confused draw – Siraj had his man out and got behind after a strong 163, finishing a 285-run organization.

India’s lackluster start with the ball caught Matthew Hayden by surprise too, who said, 

“This was a start India didn’t want! You don’t want to give an inch to Steve Smith. It’s a perfect delivery when you sit all night contemplating your hundred. A little juicy half volley on leg stump, thank you very much.”

Hayden said

The 50th match of IPL 2023 is going on at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in Delhi. The match is being played between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore. The visitors – Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and opted to bat first. RCB batted fine in the first innings and scored 181 runs in total with the help of half-centuries by Virat Kohli and Mahipal Lomror.

However, an incident in the second innings drew attention when Mohammed Siraj got into a verbal brawl with Delhi Capitals openers Philip Salt and David Warner. After being smashed for two sixes and a four in the first three deliveries of the fifth over, Siraj bowled a wide delivery. That’s when Salt was spotted saying something to Siraj, which ignited the pacer, and the three got into a confrontation.

Here’s the video where Mohammed Siraj fights with Phil Salt and David Warner

In last year’s IPL, many well-known players underperformed. Marquee names like Rohit Sharma, Kane Williamson and Pollard had dreadful seasons. The emerging talents from IPL 2021- Venkatesh Iyer and Varun Chakravarthy were gloomy for KKR. Some laudable impactful names like Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj also looked off-colour.

But before IPL 2023, most of these mentioned players look in the top form currently. Already in 2023, these cricketers have thrived in both international and domestic cricket. Hopefully, they’ll be expected to give a blockbuster season for their respective franchises.

Therefore in this list, let’s check out 5 players who flopped last season but currently are in top form.

1. Virat Kohli

Well, King Kohli, for RCB last year had a decent season. At least by his set standards, Virat didn’t even reach 400 runs. Cumulatively, the former RCB skipper scored 341 runs from 16 games at an average of 22.73. Both his average and strike rate (115.99) were the lowest compared to his last six IPL seasons. The only silver lining was his two fifty-plus scores.

However, since the 2022 Asia Cup, this 34-year legend has found his old batting form back. In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Kohli emerged as the highest run-scorer (M-6, R-296, AVG-98.67). Presently in ODIs in 2023, the cricketer is back averaging above fifty (53.37) along with resuming his constant three-digit scores. Truly for RCB, Kohli is expected to exhibit his best like the 2016 season.

Unsurprisingly, in his opening game, the opener also had a ball of a time against MI bowlers. Overall his 82* from 49 balls indeed is a sign that this behemoth might even fetch the IPL 2023’s orange cap.

Mayank Agarwal

Before IPL 2022, Mayank was impressively scoring runs for Punjab. The cricketer in both IPL 2020 and 2021 seasons had amassed 400-plus runs twice. As a reliable top-order batter, Mayank cumulatively averaged almost 40 and was striking at 148. However last year, as the new skipper of PBKS, Mayank had a very ordinary time.

Sadly in his 13 appearances, the 32-year-old scored just 196 runs at an average of 16.33. His batting position was never fixed and often juggled for floaters like Jonny Bairstow and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Consequently, the franchise released him before the 2023 auction. Presently SRH has signed Mayank for INR 8.25 Crore.

However post his PBKS snub, this Karnataka cricketer has again started to stack oodles of runs. In the 2022-23 Ranji season, Mayank emerged as the tournament’s highest run-getter. By averaging 82.50, Agarwal scored 990 runs in his 13 innings. That’s why for Hyderabad, Mayank will look to bat with his enriching batting form.

Overall, the orange army’s explosive batting order will easily allow this cricketer to play his natural game. Maybe in the 2023 season, Mayank might also find SRH as his new IPL home.

Mohammed Siraj

This pacer for RCB hasn’t had a breakthrough IPL season since 2020. In IPL 2021, Siraj was reasonably good scalping 11 wickets at an economy of 6.78. However last year, the 29-year-old had an even more severe downfall. From his 15 appearances, Siraj picked just 9 wickets at a higher economy of 10.8.

Unfortunately, the bowler in IPL 2022 was found erratic both in power plays and at the death overs. Bitterly, Siraj also exhibited his worst IPL economy rate last year. But currently, before joining IPL 2023, the speedster enjoyed substantial white-ball success for India.

In 2023 ODIs so far, Siraj has been amongst the wickets. In his eight 50-over games, the Hyderabad bowler has profusely scalped 19 wickets. Hence certainly for the Bangalore franchise, Siraj’s white-ball bowling form will be a boon. Overall now in the absence of Reece Topley and Josh Hazlewood, Siraj will have to bring his best A game for the red army.

Ravindra Jadeja

Undoubtedly in IPL 2021, Jadeja was the most valuable player for CSK. To help his franchise win the trophy, the all-rounder produced a blockbuster season. From his bat, Jadeja scored 227 runs at an average of 75 and a strike rate of 145. Even with his bowling, the spinner scalped 13 wickets from 16 games. As result, the cricketer also then got signed for INR 16 Crore for IPL 2022.

But agonizingly, Jadeja came nowhere close to his lofty IPL salary. In IPL 2022, southpaw had a very disappointing season. With his bat, Jadeja just produced 166 runs at an average of 19.33 having a strike rate of 118.37. His wickets tally also plummeted to 5 scalps. In between, the abrupt captaincy transfer to MS Dhoni also became an unpleasant experience.

However as of now, the 33-year-old is enjoying and exhibiting his best cricket. After his injury comeback, Jadeja had a successful BGT red-ball series. Even in ODIs against Australia, his 45* run knock was a match-winning cause. Hence this year for CSK, the southpaw will be expected to thrive like the 2021 season.

Vijay Shankar

In the mega auction of IPL 2022, Vijay Shankar was signed for INR 1.4 Crore by the GT. The franchise initially also dwelled this all-rounder in their playing XI. But the cricketer just played 4 matches for Gujarat. Sadly in those appearances, Vijay Shankar didn’t create any major impact. Comprehensively in the IPL, this cricketer is yet to produce his first breakthrough season.

However after IPL 2022, the 32-year-old firstly went for his shoulder surgery. Thankfully after his surgery, Shankar has found his batting form back. Recently in the 2022-23 Ranji season, the batter stacked runs for Tamil Nadu. Shankar smashed three centuries, especially against Maharashtra and Mumbai. Therefore with runs under his belt, Shankar is expected to prosper for GT.

Optimistically, the franchise again had him picked for their opening game against CSK. In response, Shankar decently played a cameo of 27 runs thus helping Gujarat fetch their first win. Overall in IPL 2023, Shankar can be a useful cricketer for GT to defend their title.

In Burmah’s absence, Mohammad Shami and Mohammad Siraj have been stepping up beautifully. The surfaces through the current ongoing tour has thrown up some interesting variations. Nagpur and Delhi spun, Indore was unplayable, Ahmedabad was flat and now Mumbai has given a track full of life for the pacers.

In the first Test at Nagpur, Shami and Siraj set the tone with two quick wickets early on. At Ahmedabad, Shami again managed to take a wicket at a key moment of the first innings. Now, in Mumbai, with the discussions on flat tracks for the World Cup, Shami and Siraj, along with Starc proved that they can play a role in India.

Siraj set the tone with a beautiful, good length ball to send Travis Head’s off-stump cartwheeling in the second over. Mitchell Marsh hammered his way through the innings, until Shami and Siraj started another procession. In Shami’s second spell, he took three wickets in a three over burst as two of them saw the stumps go flying. He displayed brilliant seam movement, and presented the seam very nicely beating the bat regularly.

On the other end, Siraj continued to keep Australia in trouble, as he maintained a tight line with more pace. Together they shifted the momentum nicely as Australia, who were off to a good start suddenly started falling with wicket in the middle overs. Australia, who looked like they were going to get a really good score, as is the norm in Mumbai suddenly found themselves falling down to 188.

The game didn’t end though. If Siraj and Shami were able to find swing and assistance with the ball, Mitchell Starc would have been able too. The ball was swinging and Starc’s tails were up as he cranked up the pace. He touched 145 regularly and brought out his trademark inswinger to take Kohli and Gill early. He looked the most threatening among the Australian bowlers, and single-handedly kept Australia in the game.

His burst along with a nice supporting act from Stoinis, who took the new-ball with Starc kept Australia in as favorites soon, while defending a low score. Starc’s burst though was not enough with Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul closing out the game. However, the Mumbai Track proved to provide magic as Starc, Siraj and Shami swung their way through and found ways to create pressure with their skill.