Aakash Chopra questions BCCI over star bowler's exclusion from ODI squad, 'Can you understand what is happening with him?'

Aakash Chopra questions the BCCI over a star bowler’s exclusion from India’s ODI squad, asking why his selection fate has become so inconsistent and unclear.

Aakash Chopra (Image Credit: X)

India’s former cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised some serious questions regarding Mohammed Siraj’s absense from the Indian team in the ODI format. Siraj, who is one of the best bowlers across formats, has no injury or workload management concerns. Despite that, the BCCI selectors have made him a single format player which isn’t a good sign.

Meawhile, the Indian bowlers are struggling to take wickets and get the breakthroughs in crunch situations. What we witnessed in the second match against South Africa was disappointing. Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna conceded 70 and 85 runs, respectively. The match slipped away from India’s hands even after scoring 358 runs due to the bowling.

“Can you understand what is happening with Mohammed Siraj? I cannot understand at all. I cannot wrap my head around the fact that he has become a one-format player. And when did this happen? When he plays Test cricket, we are so effusive of him for his passion, commitment and wicket-taking abilities," Aakash Chopra said in a video posted.

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“But how did he vanish from ODI cricket? He is playing domestic cricket currently. When he was not picked for the Champions Trophy, we were a little disappointed because two years prior to that, he was the highest wicket-taker for India in ODIs.”

Should BCCI bring back Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami?

While the former players are talking about Mohammed Siraj, another lethal pacer is missing from the side: Mohammad Shami. The world class bowler is undoubtedly one of the best in the business and he has proved it time and again.

There is still no reason to keep him away from the team since he has bowled well in the domestic matches well. Despite that, the selectors are not keen on bringing him back in the side.

Both Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj should be back in the ODI team since they have performed well. Shami has played in 108 ODIs and claimed 206 at an average of 24.05. This is a commendable figure.

Meanwhile, Siraj has taken 73 wickets in 47 games. Even according to stats, they have performed well and deserve a call back for the upcoming New Zealand series.

Where to watch the India vs South Africa match?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs South Africa 3rd ODI match on December 6 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: India’s WTC campaign suffers blow after embarrasing defeat vs SA

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