Mohammed Siraj's Fiery Reply To Rohit Sharma's 'Old Ball Claim' Over Champions Trophy Snub

India pacer Mohammed Siraj, a mainstay across formats in the national team over the last 2-3 years, found himself being left out of the team's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. The selectors' decision to include the likes of Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana in place of Siraj, especially when Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out due to an injury, baffled many. However, explaining the selection committee's stance over Siraj's case, India captain Rohit Sharma highlighted the pacer's 'infectiveness' with the old ball as a big factor behind the call. Siraj has now responded to Rohit's claim, debunking the suggestions by the skipper.

While India's decision to go with Harshit Rana turned out to be rewarding, with the team returning from Dubai with the Champions Trophy title in their hands, Siraj chose to speak 'facts' by highlighting his exemplary stats with the old ball.

"I have taken the most wickets with the old ball in the past year among the world's ten fastest bowlers. My economy rate is also low. The numbers speak for themselves. I have performed well with both the new and old ball," Siraj mentioned in a press conference ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.

Ahead of India's Champions Trophy squad announcement, Siraj wasn't in the best of form. The last 6 months had seen the pacer's form dip, but he did produce a fine fightback in the Test series against Australia. Rohit, as India's Champions Trophy squad was announced, however, said that the team had no option but to leave the pacer out.

"Siraj's effectiveness comes down a little bit if he's not going to take the new ball. We discussed it at length and we are only taking three seamers there (CT) because we wanted all the all-rounders with us," Rohit