Former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri expressed relief at seeing a rejuvenated Mohammed Siraj after the pacer’s omission from India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad. With a crucial five-match Test series against England approaching, Shastri feels Siraj has a strong chance to break into the playing XI right from the beginning.
Following a lackluster performance during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 against Australia, the Hyderabad-born fast bowler was left out of the Champions Trophy squad. However, Siraj has bounced back impressively for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ongoing IPL season, claiming 12 wickets in eight games at an average of 23.58.
He also earned consecutive Player of the Match honors against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). In the latest episode of the ICC Review, Ravi Shastri praised India’s pace unit, stating that the combination of Siraj, Mohammad Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah is as formidable as any attack in world cricket.
“I think with Siraj, Jasprit and Mohammed Shami, these three, if they are fully fit, they will give England heaps of problems. It’s a quality, top-class pace attack when you get these three fit.”
He further added: “And what I like about Siraj, I’m glad he was hurt after being put out, not in the side for the Champions Trophy. That’s what you want. For him to go back to the drawing board and come back the way he has, there’s a spring in his stride, the pace is up there, and he means business game after game.”
“I would assign him two Test matches at a time”- Ravi Shastri on Jasprit Bumrah
Considering Jasprit Bumrah’s recent injury record, Shastri mentioned that there will be pressure to have him play all five matches. However, the former all-rounder emphasized the importance of providing Bumrah with a break between series to ensure the longevity of his career.
During the same conversation, Shastri added: “I would be very, very careful [with Bumrah]. I would give him two Test matches at a time and then wait for the break. Ideally, make him play four. You’ll be tempted to make him play five if he starts off in a great manner, but it’s how his body pulls up. He should be given the first opportunity to say, ‘Yes, a little, [I am] feeling the niggle. A break would help.’ Give him that break.”
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