Table all-rounder Irrfan Pathan India is expected to feel the absence of Mohammed Siraj in the 2025 International Cricket Test. Pathan feels that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are making a return to international cricket and it won’t be easy for them to feature right away.

Mohammed Siraj was recently dropped from India’s Champions Trophy squad as selectors decided to pick the left-arm seamer Ardeep Singh Because of his lethal bowling skills.

When India captain Rohit Sharma was asked about Siraj’s absence from the ODI squad against England and the Champions Trophy, he made it clear that the team does not consider Siraj to be an effective old-ball bowler.

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Irrfan Pathan on Mohammad Siraj’s absence from Champions Trophy

When Irrfan Pathan was asked about India’s Champions Trophy squad, he expressed regret over the absence of Mohammad Siraj. Pathan feels India has selected too many spinners based on Dubai’s conditions.

The former India cricketer feels that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami are recovering from injuries and although they are world-class bowlers, they may find it difficult to play right away. Pathan believes Siraj could have played an important role in this regard.

“You need a backup pacer. Siraj could be a good option. Playing four-spinner is not an option in Dubai. With (Jasprit) Bumrah and (Mohammed) Shami It will not be easy for them to come back from injuries,” Pathan was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

“A pacer like (Mohammed) Siraj can fill that gap. That said, we hope the selectors perform well and we should support them,” he added.

India has selected four spin bowlers for the Champions Trophy 2025, three of whom are spin bowling all-rounders. Kuldeep Yadav, the only specialist spinner in the team, is also back after injury. The three spin bowling all-rounders are Ravindra Jadeja; Axar Pateland Washington Sundar.

Mohammed Siraj at BGT 2024-25

Mohammed Siraj played all five Tests in Border Gavaskar Trophy but struggled series with the ball. The fast bowler took 20 wickets in the series at an average of 31.15. However, his performance was inconsistent and he failed to find his rhythm.

Siraj was also part of India’s 2023 ODI World Cup squad, which finished as runners-up. The 30-year-old took 14 wickets in 11 games at an average of 33.50. He was also part of India’s squad that won the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Irrfan Pathan on Mohammad Shami’s absence from first T20I against England

When asked about Mohammad Shami’s absence from the first T20I against England, Irrfan Pathan replied that Shami knows his body better than anyone else. According to him, the decision to rest Shami was taken after the fast bowler spoke to the team management.

“(Mohammed) Shami always provides honest feedback to the team management and takes decisions through mutual communication. It will take time to get back to the highest level, especially after playing consistently. I am sure he and the team management will do it in the right way Time to make the right decision,” Pathan said.

Mohammad Shami is expected to return in the first T20I against England in Kolkata. However, India played three games on spin with Arshdeep Singh as the only specialist pacer. The reason for Shami’s absence is not yet known but it could be due to the team composition.