In a surprising turn of events, Mohammed Siraj Champions Trophy snub became one of the biggest selection shocks for Indian cricket fans this year. Despite being ranked among the top five ICC ODI bowlers, Siraj was left out of India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad. The decision raised eyebrows across the cricketing community, especially after India chose Harshit Rana as the replacement for an injured Jasprit Bumrah.
Now, Mohammed Siraj has finally broken his silence on the Champions Trophy snub, sharing his thoughts on selection, performance, and his upcoming IPL 2025 season with Gujarat Titans.
Mohammed Siraj Champions Trophy Snub: ‘Only the Ball Is in My Hands’
Speaking to PTI, Siraj remained composed about the Mohammed Siraj Champions Trophy snub, stating that selection is beyond his control.
“Look, selection is not in my hands. I have only a cricket ball in my hands and I want to do as much as I can with that,” Siraj said. “I don’t want to put pressure on myself by overthinking about selection. My focus remains on my performance.”
This mature response highlights Siraj’s dedication to the game and his mindset of controlling the controllables amid disappointment.
Missing the Champions Trophy and Recent International Absence
The Mohammed Siraj Champions Trophy snub wasn’t an isolated setback. The Hyderabad pacer, one of the few Indian bowlers with appearances across all three formats, has missed several international fixtures this year. He last played for India during the fifth Test against Australia in January and was also overlooked for the white-ball series against England.
Despite the snub, Siraj emphasized that he is not dwelling on missed opportunities. While tournaments like the Asia Cup and tours of England remain in his thoughts, he is prioritizing the present.
“As a player, it does remain in the back of your mind. But I try not to think too seriously about it. My current focus is on doing well for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 and helping the team win the title.”
Siraj’s Preparation for IPL 2025 with Gujarat Titans
After being released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Siraj was roped in by Gujarat Titans as a like-for-like replacement for injured speedster Mohammed Shami. This new chapter gives Siraj a fresh platform to prove himself and get back into contention.
The Mohammed Siraj Champions Trophy snub gave him valuable time off, which he has used to work on his fitness and refine his bowling skills.
“Usually, we don’t get much time to work on ourselves, but I used this break well. I focused on bowling with both new and old balls and worked on yorkers and slower deliveries,” Siraj said.
The Gujarat Titans have also offered Siraj the opportunity to work under head coach Ashish Nehra, a former India pacer with vast experience.
Ashish Nehra’s Mentorship: A Silver Lining Post Champions Trophy Snub
One of the positives to emerge from the Mohammed Siraj Champions Trophy snub is the chance to train under Nehra. Siraj expressed excitement about working with the former Indian pacer and learning new tactical skills.
“Ashu bhai has done a lot for Indian cricket. As a fast bowler, I want to absorb as much knowledge from him as possible. Bowling stump-to-stump and hitting the right lengths are areas I’m looking to improve,” he added.
Looking Ahead: IPL 2025 as Redemption
With the Mohammed Siraj Champions Trophy snub now behind him, Siraj is channeling his energy into IPL 2025. With Gujarat Titans’ pace attack needing leadership in Shami’s absence, Siraj is expected to play a crucial role.
His form, discipline, and experience could not only help Gujarat dominate but also put him back on the selectors’ radar for upcoming national assignments.
Mohammed Siraj Champions Trophy Snub Fuels Comeback Fire
The Mohammed Siraj Champions Trophy snub may have disappointed fans and raised eyebrows, but for Siraj himself, it has become a source of motivation. His humble attitude, dedication to skill-building, and focus on IPL 2025 underline his commitment to the game.
📌 Key Takeaways:
- Siraj addresses his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad.
- Focused on performance, not selection pressure.
- Working on new skills during IPL 2025 prep with Gujarat Titans.
- Looking forward to guidance from Ashish Nehra.
With the right mindset and performance in IPL 2025, the Mohammed Siraj Champions Trophy snub might just be the beginning of a powerful comeback story.
