Mohammad Siraj opens up on his Champions Trophy snub before the GT vs PBKS 

Mohammed Siraj opened up about the Champions Trophy snub right before the GT vs PBKS opener match on 25 March 2025 on Tuesday. Talking over it Siraj confessed that at first he couldn’t digest the fact that he wasn’t part of the squad, even after being in the squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024.

Mohammad Siraj was excluded from the 2025 champions trophy squad as team management decided to go with 5 spin options and left the player from the Squad. Although he was nominated as a travelling reserve but in the end wasn’t picked in the squad.

Got a bit of emotional on CT snub: Siraj

“I did get a bit emotional when I put this jersey on for the first time,” Siraj told BCCI. “Having played for RCB for seven years, the sudden change got me a bit emotional but it doesn’t feel like I am in a new team. The environment is pretty good, there is freedom for the players and hence, I am excited to get going,” 

Siraj said that he knew Rohit Sharma and the Indian team management would have made the call for the betterment of the team.

“When you play for the country, you get a lot of confidence. As an international player you always want to play in an ICC event.”

“At the beginning, I couldn’t digest that I wasn’t part of the squad. Rohit bhai also does what is best for the team and that’s why he did it. He 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,” said Siraj.

Siraj on IPL Preparation

“Sir, my preparation is going very well. I was on a break and worked on my bowling and fitness. I played matches, and after the Ranji Trophy, I returned and focused on my fitness, training, and bowling. If we talk about my effort, I give 100 per cent because when I have the ball in my hand, I can give my full effort. Apart from that, I do not run after too many things.”

Being part of the Gujarat Titans squad this IPL, Siraj is ready to face the Punjab Kings and has practised well with the new ball in the practice sessions and the stadium is like his venue where the faster bowlers get some assistance.