India's Champions Trophy squad was revealed on Saturday, and notably, Mohammed Siraj has not been selected for the 15-member team. The fast bowlers chosen for the eight-team tournament, which commences on February 19, 2025, are Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Shami. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed that Siraj had not performed poorly enough to warrant his exclusion from this significant event.

Jasprit Bumrah's participation remains contingent on his fitness, which means he will miss the first two ODIs against England. Nevertheless, the management anticipates that the leading Indian pacer will be ready for the third and final ODI.

In Bumrah's absence, Harshit Rana has been included in the squad for the initial two ODIs against England. Aakash Chopra remarked that this decision indicates Harshit Rana has surpassed Siraj in the ODI selection hierarchy.

"The status of Jasprit Bumrah's fitness is uncertain, and the same applies to Mohammed Shami. While he may be fit, his current form is unknown. Arshdeep has been selected, leaving no room for Mohammed Siraj," Aakash Chopra stated on his YouTube channel.

"He has not committed any significant errors to be omitted from the squad. I empathize with DSP. Siraj, I feel for you. He could have been included, perhaps at the expense of one spinner. It is quite surprising that Harshit Rana is prioritized over Siraj in the ODI lineup," he added.

It is noteworthy that Siraj boasts an impressive ODI record, having taken 71 wickets in 44 matches. He was also part of India's campaign in the 2023 World Cup, where the team reached the final.

'Played your hand'

Aakash Chopra has expressed the view that the Indian selection committee has revealed its strategy for the forthcoming tournament by including four spinners in the squad.

"The selection of only three fast bowlers is significant to me. With three pacers chosen, it implies that only two will be utilized in matches. If the intention was to field three seamers, the squad would have included four," Chopra remarked.

"This indicates a clear decision to employ three spinners. The strategy has been disclosed even before the tournament has commenced," he further noted.

The four spinners selected for India's team are Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja.

India is placed in Group A, competing against Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Rohit Sharma and his team will commence their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.

India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.

Read Also: Kohli and Rohit’s Fate in Cricket to Be Resolved Following Champions Trophy, Says Ajit Agarkar

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!