Travel Mohammad Siraj International cricket has been full of ups and downs, but the fast bowler has consistently found a way to come back stronger. Over the years, Siraj has established himself as one of the from india The most reliable fast bowler across all formats, delivering match-winning performances both at home and away. Despite his success, there was a phase when many viewed him primarily as a Test specialist, with questions raised about his effectiveness in white-ball cricket.
However, Siraj has worked hard to change that perception through consistent performances in franchise cricket and on the international stage. His impressive performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) And Gujarat Titans (GT) In IPLStrong performances for India whenever he got the opportunity helped him regain his place in the national setup. Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra He believes that the criticism leveled at Siraj during that period was premature and unfair.
Aakash Chopra on calling Mohammad Siraj a one format player
Speaking in a video shared on his social media account, Chopra reflected on Siraj’s career trajectory and how early on the fast bowler was classified as a bowler suitable only for Test cricket. According to Chopra, Siraj was overlooked in the shorter formats despite possessing the skills required to succeed in all formats of the game. He said the Hyderabad fast bowler spent a long time out of the team before making a successful comeback into India’s T20 plans through strong performances.
“Very quickly we made him a format player. It was decided ahead of time that he could not bowl with the old ball and should be dropped. He was out of the team for a long time, but his luck changed and he was selected for the T20 World Cup, where he took three wickets in his first match and now he is making a comeback in T20.” Chopra said.
The former opener highlighted that Siraj’s resurgence is a testament to his tenacity and ability to adapt his game. His performance in ipl 2026 and this t20 world cup This helped silence many critics who questioned his effectiveness in limited overs cricket.
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Chopra questions Siraj’s exclusion from India’s ODI plans
Chopra also expressed his disappointment at the way Siraj was treated during a particular phase of his international career. He believes that the fast bowler has a heavy workload in Test cricket, but despite strong performances he was suddenly dropped from India’s white-ball plans.
The cricketer-turned-commentator specifically pointed to Siraj’s exclusion from India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, calling it a decision with which he disagreed. While Chopra admitted that there could be debate about Siraj’s place in the T20I setup, he insisted that the fast bowler’s ODI credentials are beyond question.
“There was a time when I really felt it was not right. You played him in all the Tests, where everyone needs workload management, but didn’t think about him. Then, suddenly one day, you said he is no longer part of the ODI team, and then he was dropped from the T20Is as well; it was not right.” Chopra said.
Siraj has been rested from the ongoing ODI series against India afghanistanwith Prasidh Krishna Named as his replacement. However, the fast bowler is expected to return to international action during the upcoming T20I series against ireland Later this month, where he will have another opportunity to strengthen his case across all formats.