Akash Chopra Questions Mohammad Siraj's Omission from ODI Squad
Former Indian cricketer Akash Chopra has raised eyebrows over Mohammad Siraj's exclusion from the ODI squad, questioning how he became a player limited to just one format. Despite Siraj's impressive Test record, his absence from the white-ball team has left fans and experts puzzled. Chopra's comments come after India struggled against South Africa, highlighting the need for clarity on Siraj's role in the team. As discussions continue, the cricket community is eager to understand the reasons behind this decision and what it means for Siraj's future in limited-overs cricket.
Dec 4, 2025, 14:27 IST
Concerns Raised Over Siraj's Exclusion
Former Indian cricketer Akash Chopra has expressed his confusion regarding the exclusion of Mohammad Siraj from India's ODI team. He highlighted that Siraj seems to have become a player limited to just one format. This discussion arose after India failed to defend a total of 359 runs against South Africa in the second ODI held in Raipur. Siraj has shown remarkable performance in Test cricket, claiming 139 wickets in 45 matches, yet he has been in and out of the white-ball setup. Although he participated in ODIs last month in Australia, he was not selected for the white-ball series against South Africa.
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Despite centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, which helped India score over 350 runs, South Africa clinched the match with four balls to spare. In a video posted on his social media account, Chopra questioned, 'Can you understand what is happening with Mohammad Siraj? I absolutely cannot comprehend it. When did he become a player for just one format? We admire his passion, commitment, and wicket-taking ability when he plays Test cricket.'
Siraj has performed well in the 50-over format, taking 73 wickets at an average of 24.67 and an economy rate of 5.17 in 47 matches, including a five-wicket haul. The 31-year-old fast bowler was part of the Indian Test team but is currently playing for Hyderabad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Chopra further noted, 'But how did he disappear from ODI cricket? He is currently playing domestic cricket. We were a bit disappointed when he wasn't selected for the Champions Trophy because two years ago, he was the leading wicket-taker for India in that format.'
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Chopra pointed out that during the time Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna were playing, Siraj was absent from the limited-overs format. He concluded by stating, 'Suddenly, his name is missing. And it still is. Other players are participating - Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, but Mohammad Siraj is nowhere to be seen. He is not in ODIs and is also absent from T20Is. Why did this happen? Personally, I don't know. When did he become a single-format player?'