The IPL 2025 season has begun with a bang, delivering last-over thrillers, stunning performances, and fiery bowling displays within the first five matches. In Match 5, Gujarat Titans (GT) took on Punjab Kings (PBKS) but suffered an 11-run defeat in their opening game on Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Before GT stepped onto the field in front of home fans, one of their high-profile signings, Mohammed Siraj, spoke about an issue weighing on him—his omission from the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Siraj’s exclusion from India’s 15-member squad, which won the tournament under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, surprised many.
Given his consistent performances across formats, the decision sparked considerable debate. Siraj, however, has accepted the decision gracefully. Before the match, he acknowledged that while it initially hurt, he has come to terms with it.
“At the beginning, I couldn’t digest that I wasn’t part of the squad. As an international player, you always want to play in an ICC event,” he said.
He further added: Siraj said “Rohit bhai also does what is best for the team and that’s why he did it, has so much experience and knew that pacers won’t be of much use on that track – He knew that spinners will be for useful and that’s why they decided to snub me”. [Talking about CT 2025]
Siraj said "Rohit bhai also does what is best for the team and that's why he did it, has so much experience and knew that pacers won't be of much use on that track – He knew that spinners will be for useful and that's why they decided to snub me". [Talking about CT 2025] pic.twitter.com/wAU5NcbZUv
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 25, 2025
However, the Hyderabad pacer did not place blame on anyone. Instead, he supported Rohit Sharma‘s decision, acknowledging the reasoning behind it.
“Rohit bhai also does what is best for the team… he knew that pacers won’t be of much use on that track. That’s why they went with four spinners,” Siraj added.
Rohit Sharma’s bet on spin proves successful
Rohit’s instinctive decision turned out to be spot on. India defeated New Zealand in the final, securing their second ICC title within nine months. With spin-friendly conditions, the choice to field four spinners proved highly effective.
Although Siraj was left out, there’s no resentment in his words—just a touch of disappointment mixed with immense maturity. It’s this attitude that truly defines him as a team player.
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