Mohammed Siraj Opens Up on Missing Asia Cup & Champions Trophy, Bounces Back Strong in Tests

Mohammed Siraj has always been a bowler of character someone who doesn’t just run in to deliver spells but pours his heart into every ball. Yet, in a year dominated by white-ball tournaments, the Hyderabad pacer found himself watching from the sidelines during two marquee events: the Asia Cup 2025 and the Champions Trophy in Dubai.

Now, Siraj has broken his silence and explained the real reasons behind his exclusion.

Siraj Opens Up on Asia Cup and Champions Trophy Snubs

Despite being India’s top wicket-taker in the five-match Test series against England, Siraj was left out of India’s squad for both major white-ball tournaments.

In a candid chat with Express Sports, the speedster said there were no hard feelings about the omissions, highlighting the clarity given by skipper Rohit Sharma and the management.

“I’m 200 per cent confident of doing well in all three formats when given a chance. In Dubai, conditions suited spinners, so Rohit bhai told me I’d be on the bench if I went. He asked me to take time off, spend time with family, and focus on fitness,” Siraj revealed.

This level of communication, Siraj said, helped him accept the decision positively.

Rest, Rotation, and Workload Management

Siraj admitted that after a grueling Test series against England, the Asia Cup presented an opportunity to rest and recover.

“The Asia Cup was right after five Tests in England. It was as much about team balance as it was about workload,” he added.

Such honesty is rare, but it shows Siraj’s maturity in understanding the bigger picture India’s long-term bowling strategy.

Mohammed Siraj’s Fiery Comeback Against West Indies

If anyone thought missing two tournaments would dent his spirit, Siraj answered emphatically in Ahmedabad during the first Test against West Indies.

Returning in whites, Siraj bowled with rhythm, aggression, and precision—picking up 7 wickets in the match (4 in the first innings and 3 in the second). His fiery spell spearheaded India’s innings-and-140-run victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

It was a reminder that Siraj remains central to India’s red-ball dominance.

What Lies Ahead for Siraj

Siraj is now preparing for the second Test in Delhi, starting October 10. With the way he bowled in Ahmedabad, expectations are sky-high. His partnership with Jasprit Bumrah, complemented by spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, gives India one of the most balanced bowling attacks in world cricket.

The setbacks of missing the Asia Cup and Champions Trophy may just turn out to be blessings in disguise keeping Siraj fresh, hungry, and sharper than ever.

Mohammed Siraj’s story is not one of disappointment but of resilience, balance, and maturity. By embracing rest when needed and returning stronger, he has proven once again why he is one of India’s most valuable fast bowlers across formats.