Former Indian cricketer and analyst Aakash Chopra has launched a scathing critique of the national team's selection policy, expressing utter bewilderment at the continued exclusion of pace bowler Mohammed Siraj from the One-Day International setup. His comments follow India's inability to defend a massive total of 359 runs in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur, a match where the bowling attack came under heavy fire.
Chopra's Blunt Critique on Social Media
In a sharply worded video shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Chopra stated that the move to sideline Siraj makes "absolutely no sense". He emphasised his confusion at a time when India's younger pace options are facing difficulties on the field. "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," Chopra remarked.
The former opener highlighted the stark contrast in Siraj's treatment across formats. "When he plays Test cricket, we are so effusive of him… but how did he vanish from ODI cricket? When did this happen?" he questioned. This pointed query underscores the perceived inconsistency in the team management's approach towards a bowler who was India's leading wicket-taker in the 50-over format just two years ago.
Siraj's Stellar Record vs. Current Selection
The statistics make Chopra's argument compelling. Mohammed Siraj has taken 73 wickets in 47 ODIs at an impressive average of 24.67, maintaining an economy rate of just 5.17. Despite this proven track record, he finds himself out of the white-ball plans for the ongoing series against South Africa.
Instead, the team management opted for Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna. Both bowlers endured a tough outing in Raipur, with Rana conceding 70 runs for his one wicket and Krishna giving away 85 runs for his two wickets. Chopra directly addressed this selection paradox: "Others are playing — Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna — but Mohammed Siraj is nowhere to be seen. Why did this happen? Personally, I don't know."
The Bigger Question for Indian Cricket
This situation raises significant questions about India's medium-to-long-term bowling strategy in white-ball cricket. Siraj, currently representing Hyderabad in the domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, has been effectively labelled a red-ball specialist, a tag Chopra vehemently disputes. The debate puts the spotlight on the selection committee's vision, especially with major tournaments on the horizon.
The core of Chopra's argument rests on rewarding consistent performance and experience. By sidelining a bowler of Siraj's calibre after a period of acknowledged success, the team risks sending a confusing message about meritocracy. As India looks to rebuild its ODI attack, the exclusion of one of its most successful recent pacers remains a contentious point that analysts and fans alike are struggling to comprehend.
