Mohammed Siraj shares the truth behind his Champions Trophy and Asia Cup snub

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India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has opened up about his absence from the 2025 Champions Trophy and Asia Cup, two major tournaments that saw him miss out despite his stellar form in red-ball cricket. Known for his passion and never-say-die attitude, the Hyderabad pacer’s honesty and composure have once again highlighted the maturity behind his remarkable rise in international cricket.

After being India’s top wicket-taker in the five-match Test series against England earlier this year, many expected Siraj to be part of both the Champions Trophy in Dubai and the Asia Cup. However, his absence raised eyebrows among fans. Speaking candidly in an interview with Express Sports, Siraj revealed that his exclusion was not due to any lack of form or faith, but part of a well-thought-out strategy by skipper Rohit Sharma and the team management.

According to Siraj, the management clearly communicated their decisions to him before both tournaments. For the Champions Trophy in Dubai, he explained that conditions heavily favored spin bowling, and the team required more spinners than pacers.

“Rohit bhai told me directly that most of the bowling there would be done by spinners and he did not want me travelling just to sit on the bench,” Siraj said. The skipper’s transparency allowed him to remain grounded and focused, using that time to work on his fitness and spend quality time with family.

When it came to the Asia Cup 2025, Siraj mentioned that the decision was largely influenced by workload management. India had just completed a gruelling Test series against England, and Siraj had bowled nearly 180 overs across formats during that period.

“The Asia Cup came right after the Tests, so it was an opportunity for me to recover properly before the next series,” he shared. Rather than feeling disheartened, the pacer took the decision positively, focusing on long-term performance and sustainability.

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After missing back-to-back white-ball tournaments, Siraj returned to the spotlight in spectacular fashion during the first Test against the West Indies at Ahmedabad. With fresh energy and sharp rhythm, he produced a devastating spell that dismantled the Caribbean batting order. The right-arm quick claimed four wickets in the first innings and three in the second, finishing with match figures of 7 wickets. His hostile pace and movement off the pitch reminded everyone why he remains one of India’s most important fast bowlers in the current setup.

India went on to crush the West Indies by an innings and 140 runs, and much of the credit went to Siraj for setting up the win with his incisive bowling. His performance also helped him surpass several milestones, including overtaking Mitchell Starc to become the leading wicket-taker in the 2025 World Test Championship cycle. With the second Test scheduled to begin in Delhi on October 10, Siraj looks set to continue his exceptional run of form.

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