Mohammed Siraj Breaks Silence on Champions Trophy Snub: “I Only Have a Cricket Ball in My Hands”

Indian Pacer Mohammed Siraj was Ommited from the Champions Trophy Squad

March 21, 2025: India’s fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has finally opened up about his surprise omission from the Champions Trophy squad, stating that he’s choosing to focus on his performance and self-improvement rather than selection politics.

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Siraj, once ranked among the top five ODI bowlers in ICC rankings, was overlooked not only in the original Champions Trophy squad but even as a replacement when Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out due to injury. The selectors instead handed a call-up to Harshit Rana, leaving fans and experts stunned.

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🗣️ “Selection Not in My Hands”

“Look, selection is not in my hands. I only have a cricket ball in my hands. I wanted to do as much as I can with that,” Siraj told PTI.

“I don’t want to put pressure on myself thinking about selection. My focus is only on performance.”

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🏏 Back With A Bang — At IPL 2025

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• Released by RCB last season, Siraj was picked up by Gujarat Titans (GT) to fill in for the injured Mohammed Shami.
• Siraj says he’s spent the past few months sharpening his skills with the new and old ball, especially yorkers and slower deliveries.

“Usually, we don’t get that much rest. But now I’ve worked on fitness, bowling variations, and especially my death-over deliveries.”

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🎯 Focus on GT, Not on Future Tours

While tours like England and tournaments like the Asia Cup do linger in the back of his mind, Siraj remains locked in on the present.

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“My focus is on IPL 2025, and helping Gujarat Titans win another title. If I do well, the rest will follow.”

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🧠 Learning from the Best: Ashish Nehra

With former India pacer Ashish Nehra as head coach at Gujarat Titans, Siraj is eager to absorb as much as he can.

“Ashu bhai was a genuine match-winner for India. I want to learn how to bowl stump-to-stump, the right length — those subtle but game-changing things.”

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Mohammed Siraj, Champions Trophy 2025, India Cricket, Gujarat Titans, IPL 2025, Jasprit Bumrah injury, Ashish Nehra, Harshit Rana, Indian fast bowlers, Team India selection news, cricket motivation, Siraj interview