Mohammed Siraj breaks silence on the Champions Trophy Snub, Gujarat Titans Pacer says 'I couldn't consume at the beginning ...' | Mint

Mohammed Siraj finally broke his silence on his ICC Champions trophy and said he was “unable to consume” at first. The Hyderabad Pacer, one of the most consistent bowlers for India in Odis, was left out of the Indian team for the English series at home and the ICC event, which won the men in Blue in Dubai and beat New Zealand in the final. The BCCI chief Ajit Agarkar called Mohammed Siraj and explained that their (the selection committee) believes that Siraj’s efficiency amounts to a bit if he is not going to take the new ball. “‘It’s an unfortunate thing he (Siraj) has to miss, but we had no choice but to get the guys who can play a certain role,’ said Ajit Agarkar while announcing the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. A month later, Mohammed Siraj seems to be on a mission to prove everyone wrong with nine wickets so far in four games in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). He is currently second in the race for the purple cap behind Chennai Super Kings spinner Noor Ahmad (10). ‘At the beginning (of the pause) I couldn’t consume. But then I explained to myself that I had planned so many things, ‘Mohammed Siraj said after Gujarat Titans Sunrisers beat Hyderabad on IPL 2025. Instead, the right arm Pacer played a Ranji trophy for Hyderabad against Vidarbha. “It (selection for the Champions trophy) was not to be, but I concentrated on my mind, my fitness.” I enjoy my bowling now. If you are not selected (for the Indian team), it crosses your thoughts (if you are good enough), but I wanted to be ready for the IPL, “he added. Gujarat Titans jumped to the win against Sunrisers Hyderabad was Gujarat’s third in four games and lifted the 2022 champions to second place in the IPL 2025.