Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj wasn’t a part of the squad that won the Champions Trophy in March 2025. Despite his great performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Siraj was ignored by the selectors for the tournament
in Dubai. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma also revealed the reason for Siraj’s snub and said that the fast bowler isn’t effective with the new ball. Now, after seven months of the tournament, Siraj finally revealed what Rohit said to him after not picking him in the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.
In his recent interview with Express Sports, Mohammed Siraj revealed that Rohit Sharmacommunicated to him before the squad's announcement and explained the reason for his snub from Champions Trophy. "Rohit bhai told me that most of the bowling would be done by spinners & he didn’t want me to go there & just sit on the bench - He told me to spend time with family, practise and work on my fitness,” Siraj said.
My aim was to become highest wicket taker in England: Mohammed Siraj on his heroics during Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
Although Mohammed Siraj couldn’t get a chance to represent India in the Champions Trophy 2025, he turned out to be a star performer for the Indian team in the five-match Test series in England. The right-arm pacer ended as the highest wicket taker of the series with 23 scalps in five matches. Apart from that, he also took four wickets and five wickets in the fifth Test respectively as India registered a thrilling six-run win to level the series by 2-2.
In his interview, Siraj said that he aimed to become best bowler of the series and also gave his 100% after finding out that Jasprit Bumrah will not play all five Test matches.“When I landed in England, my aim was to become the highest wicket taker there. I wanted to be 100% fit and play all five matches. When I found out that Jassi bhai was not going to play all 5 Tests, I wanted to give my 100%,” Siraj said.
