Suresh Raina Calls for Mohammed Siraj to Replace Jasprit Bumrah in India’s Bowling Line-up
Suresh Raina believes Mohammed Siraj could replace Jasprit Bumrah in India ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad if Bumrah doesn't regain full fitness. Siraj was initially dropped, with Harshit Rana named as backup. Raina praised Siraj's form, suggesting he is a better option than Rana. Raina also expressed concerns over Bumrah's fitness and Shami's lack of match practice.
After being axed from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad, Mohammed Siraj might have a chance to return if Jasprit Bumrah fails to regain full fitness. Former cricketer Suresh Raina believes Siraj should be included in the squad, especially if Bumrah is not available. Siraj, despite being dropped, had impressed on the recent tour of Australia, and Raina thinks he would be a better option than Harshit Rana, who is currently named as a backup for Bumrah.
While Raina acknowledges Rana’s strengths, including his pace and yorker variations, he believes Siraj is more experienced and effective. The uncertainty surrounding Bumrah’s fitness, following an injury in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, has raised concerns. He said:
Siraj was in a different form in Australia but you can change the squad till 12 February. So I feel Siraj can be back in the side if Bumrah is not fully fit. Harshit Rana has done well. He has good pace, good bumper, variation, yorker and pace. He and both Arshdeep Singh can bowl at the death, but I still feel Siraj is a better option if Bumrah is not there.
Furthermore, with Mohammad Shami lacking match practice and Kuldeep Yadav returning from injury, Raina suggests the team will rely heavily on Kuldeep for spin options. Bumrah’s fitness is crucial for India, and if he does not recover in time, Siraj could step in to ensure a strong pace attack for the Champions Trophy. The final squad decision will be influenced by Bumrah’s recovery as well as the team’s overall balance.
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