Aakash Chopra Says Mohammed Siraj Is Often the First Fast Bowler Left Out, But Backing Him for a Strong India Comeback
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has pointed out that Mohammed Siraj is often the first name to be left out when the Indian team makes changes to its white-ball pace attack. Even so, Chopra remains confident that the right-arm fast bowler will soon find his way back into the blue jersey.

Siraj was initially included in India’s squads for the T20I series in Ireland and England, but the selectors later decided to rest him and brought in Prasidh Krishna as a replacement. The Hyderabad pacer was also not picked for the ODI series against England, leading to renewed discussion about his role in India’s white-ball plans.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said Siraj has been pushed aside quietly despite making a strong impact whenever he gets a chance. He noted that the pacer has often been excluded because he is not as effective with the old ball, while also pointing out that Siraj has repeatedly delivered when selected.

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“We have sidelined him silently. We did that in ODIs first, saying he is unable to bowl with the old ball. He remains out in T20 cricket in any case, although he was a part of the World Cup. He came and took three wickets on the first day itself,” Aakash Chopra said.

The former opener added that Siraj’s performances have often been good enough to make a strong case for selection, yet he still seems to be the first pacer omitted when India reshuffles their bowling unit. According to Chopra, this creates a sense of uncertainty around the seamer’s standing in the side.

“Now he is not being seen in ODIs as well. It seems like he has been sidelined a little. There is a slight lack of clarity. He is the first man to be left out, but I feel you will see him as part of the Indian team going forward,” he added.

Chopra also highlighted the frequent changes in India’s fast-bowling group, saying rotation has become a regular feature in the pace department. However, he feels Siraj is the kind of cricketer India will not be able to keep out for long.

“I feel he will come because he is the kind of player you won’t be able to keep away for long,” Aakash Chopra said.

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While Chopra admitted he is not fully certain about Siraj’s place in India’s T20 plans, he strongly backed the pacer to return to the ODI setup ahead of the 2027 World Cup. He believes the team management still trusts Siraj’s fitness, hunger, and ability to give everything whenever he is called upon.

“I think Siraj will come back. His name will come in ODI cricket. I am not so sure in T20Is, but in ODIs, come the World Cup, he will be there,” Aakash  Chopra observed.