India’s crushing defeat to South Africa in the second ODI has once again put the focus on head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selectors. After India failed to defend a mammoth total of 359 against South Africa in Raipur, Aakash Chopra questioned Mohammed Siraj’s sudden absence in the ODI setup.
Despite being a proven fast bowler and delivering match-winning spells in many high-pressure games, Mohammed Siraj has become a one-format player for India under Gautam Gambhir’s regime. And the former Indian batsman was surprised by this.
Aakash Chopra criticizes Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir for dropping Mohammed Siraj from ODI team
In the decisive second ODI, India did everything right with the bat. Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad scored brilliant centuries, helping India easily cross 350. But all the hard work went in vain as South Africa achieved one of the highest ODI targets in India.
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The real problem was India’s bowling attack. Prasidh Krishna had a forgettable outing as he gave away 85 runs in just 8.2 overs. Harshit Rana also had to struggle and scored 70 runs in his 10 overs. Even Kuldeep Yadav, who usually brings control in the middle overs, conceded 78 runs.
India’s bowling unit looked lethargic, tired and completely useless. Raipur Given India’s failure with the ball in the ODI, Aakash Chopra criticized Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for suddenly using Siraj as a bowler only in Tests.
‘What’s happening with Mohammed Siraj?’
Not long ago, Siraj was the world number one ODI bowler and match-winner for the Men in Blue, especially in the Test and 50-over formats. But now, this fiery face is not seen in ODIs, is not considered for T20Is, and was even left out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his
The commentator said, “But how did he disappear from ODI cricket? He is currently playing domestic cricket. When he was not selected for the Champions Trophy, we were a bit disappointed because two years before that, he was the highest wicket-taker for India in that format (ODI).”
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Aakash Chopra questions Mohammed Siraj’s absence from ODIs and T20Is
Cricket pundits have pointed out that Siraj is fully fit and is currently playing for Hyderabad in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, so why are others with less experience getting repeated chances for India despite not performing well in high-pressure games?
Siraj was also part of the Indian team for the recent two-match Test series against South Africa. Still, he was not selected in the ODI team and now for the T20 series as well.
Chopra signed off by saying, “Then suddenly his name is missing. And it is still missing. Others are playing – Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna – but Mohammed Siraj is nowhere to be seen. He is not in the ODIs and is absent from the T20Is. Why did this happen? Personally, I don’t know. When did he become a singles format player?”
Why aren’t enough people talking about Miyan magic? #Oracle pic.twitter.com/pBalG6LUYo
– Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) 4 December 2025
