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Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra questioned the manner in which Mohammed Siraj was dropped from white-ball teams. He believes that the India national cricket team management was too hasty in labeling Mohammed Siraj as a player suitable only for Test cricket.
After Mohammed Siraj landed in legal trouble, the former India opener feels the bowler was unfairly left out of the ODI and T20I setup, saying the fast bowler is not just a Test specialist and still has a lot to offer in limited overs cricket, especially in ODIs.
Aakash Chopra criticizes India for turning Mohammed Siraj into a one-format player
Until Gautam Gambhir was a part of the Indian coaching setup, Mohammed Siraj was a regular member of India’s white-ball teams. The fast bowler lost his place in the ODI and T20 squads due to concerns over his effectiveness with the old ball.
However, luck was on Siraj’s side as Harshit Rana’s injury got him a chance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Chopra criticized the team management and selectors for making Siraj a one-format player.
Aakash Chopra, who recently bombed Washington Sundar’s ICC World Cup 2027 future, believes the Hyderabad pacer deserved a longer run and more support in the T20I and ODI formats.
I really felt it was not right: Aakash Chopra hits out at Gautam Gambhir
Aakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel, “Very soon we made him a one-format player and abandoned him.” It was decided ahead of time that he could not bowl with the old ball and he 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.”
The cricket pundit further added, “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 it. Then, suddenly one day, you said he is no longer part of the ODI team, and then dropped him from the T20Is as well; it was not right.”
Aakash Chopra questions Mohammed Siraj’s absence as India begins preparations for the 2027 World Cup
Chopra also believes that Siraj should never have missed the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He feels that the Hyderabad pacer is still one of India’s strongest ODI bowlers and deserves a chance.
He did not agree with the selectors’ decision to rest Siraj for the ongoing three-match ODI series against Afghanistan at home. He questioned the decision as the team has started preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Chopra signed off by saying, “Is his workload management a matter of concern right now? To be honest, you and I have no idea who has played how much cricket and whether there are any issues. Does he really need rest? What if he himself asks for it.”
