Mohammed Siraj intends to give a fitting reply for his Champions Trophy snub in the upcoming IPL 2025. After spending seven years with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the Hyderabad pacer will now commence a new journey with Gujarat Titans. Ahead of the tournament, Siraj backed himself as one of the best bowlers in the world.
Siraj responds to Champions Trophy snub
Speaking to reporters, Siraj pointed out that he had performed well with both old and new ball, adding that the numbers spoke for itself. India cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma had earlier said that the pacer was not included in the squad due to his inability to perform with the new ball.
“I have taken the most wickets with the old ball in the past year among the world’s ten fastest bowlers. My economy rate is also low. The numbers speak for themselves. I have performed well with both the new and old ball,” Siraj mentioned in the pre-season press conference.
Siraj last featured in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. He was India’s second most overworked bowler after Bumrah in the previous calendar year. While he was rested for the T20I series against England, he was snubbed for the ODIs that followed. Subsequently, he was left out of the Champions Trophy squad as well, with the selectors picking Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana ahead of the veteran.
“Siraj’s effectiveness comes down a little bit if he’s not going to take the new ball. We discussed it at length and we are only taking three seamers there (CT) because we wanted all the all-rounders with us,” Rohit had said at the press conference for the squad announcement.
Siraj was purchased by GT for Rs 12.25 crore in the mega auction.. In a warm-up game, he bowled five yorkers, hinting at at mouth-watering treat for fans in the upcoming edition.
