A recent picture of Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj with Zanai Bhosle, the granddaughter of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, set social media abuzz. Zanai, a talented young singer known for her soulful voice, shared several snapshots from her 23rd birthday celebration on Instagram. Among them, a photo featuring Siraj caught fans’ attention. The duo, seen laughing together in the picture, quickly became the subject of speculation, with rumors suggesting they might be dating.
However, before the rumors could gain traction, Zanai clarified the nature of their relationship. She addressed the speculation on her Instagram story, referring to Siraj as “Mere pyaare bhai” (my dear brother). Siraj further affirmed this bond by resharing Zanai’s story and affectionately calling her “behna” (sister).
Siraj’s Absence from Indian Squad
Mohammed Siraj is currently not part of the Indian cricket team. After a less-than-stellar performance in the recent Test series against Australia, the pacer was excluded from India’s ongoing white-ball series against England. Furthermore, he was not included in the squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan has voiced concerns about the lack of pace-bowling backup in the Champions Trophy squad, particularly given Jasprit Bumrah’s uncertain fitness due to injury. Pathan suggested that Siraj could have been a viable option. He highlighted the challenge of relying heavily on spinners in Dubai’s conditions and noted the potential difficulties for bowlers like Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, who are recovering from injuries.
Expert Opinions on Siraj’s Exclusion
Speaking at a promotional event, Pathan said, “You need a backup pacer. Siraj could have been a good option. In Dubai, playing four spinners isn’t viable. With Bumrah and Shami returning from injuries, it won’t be easy for them to perform right away.” He added that Siraj’s inclusion could have bridged the gap in the bowling lineup. Despite this, Pathan urged fans and selectors to support the chosen squad, expressing hope for their success in the tournament.
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