Mohammed Siraj overlooked for Champions Trophy squad, to feature in Hyderabad's last Ranji Trophy group match

As per a report in the Times of India, Siraj, who recently showcased his skills in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, is set to play in Hyderabad's final group game. Hyderabad is currently positioned sixth in Group B, having secured only one victory out of five matches, with two ending in a draw.

“He has some workload concern so will not be playing the first game. But will, in all likelihood, turn up for the last game vs Vidarbha,” a Hyderabad Cricket Association official told the national daily.

Why was Siraj not picked for the Champions Trophy squad?

Not long along, the Hyderabad-born pacer was the top-ranked ODI bowler in the ICC rankings chart. Since 2023, he picked up 47 wickets in the 50-over format, 14 of which came during the 11 matches at the World Cup at an economy rate of 5.68. Moreover, no India bowler has picked up more wickets than Siraj (71) in ODIs since 2022, with the right-armer third in the overall list.

However, India captain Rohit Sharma reckoned that Siraj was left out because he was only effective with the new ball. Hence, India picked Arshdeep Singh keeping in mind the clouds over Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness.

“We wanted to pick a squad where we have options of both - somebody to bowl with the new ball and at the back end," Rohit said. "Obviously, with Bumrah missing, or not sure, we wanted Arshdeep to come and play that role of bowling at the back end.

“Shami, we saw what he did with the new ball (at the World Cup) and that is where we feel Siraj's effectiveness comes down if he is not taking the new ball and with Arshdeep and Shami in the squad, we had no option but to select guys who can fulfill all three facets of bowling: bowling at the start, in the middle, and at the death."

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