Mohammed Siraj: The Indian Fast Bowler Faces "Year of Setbacks".

Indian Fast Bowler Mohammad Siraj Faces Setback After Not Finding Place In Squad For Champions Trophy.

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has been dropped from the ODI squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, starting next month. Arshdeep Singh will be the third frontline speedster in the squad after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Rohit Sharma addressed Siraj’s exclusion, stating that with the team combination they had in mind, Siraj would not have been able to bowl with the new ball, reducing his effectiveness.

“That is why, unfortunately, he has to miss out. We have no option, but we wanted guys for specific roles. We wanted guys who can bowl with the new ball, and be effective in the middle overs and at the back end. With these three boys (Shami, Bumrah and Arshdeep), we can do that," Rohit explained.

Mohammed Siraj's Numbers in 2024

Following his stellar 2023, Siraj's effectiveness with the ball dropped drastically in 2024. Last year, Siraj played 13 Tests, three ODIs, and six T20Is, taking 35, three, and two wickets respectively. On the other hand, Arshdeep is yet to play a Test match for India. In 2024, the left-arm pacer took 36 wickets in 18 T20Is and two wickets in two ODIs.

Although Mohammed Siraj also got released from RCB, he wrote an emotional farewell note to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, saying he was not bidding goodbye to the franchise but thanking them and their fans for giving him a platform to evolve as a cricketer. Siraj's seven-year journey with RCB came to an end on Sunday, November 25, when the Bengaluru-based franchise did not go for him in the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah.

Siraj's Emotional Note to RCB and Their Fans

"To my dear RCB,

"Saat saal RCB ke saat mere dil ke bahut kareeb hai (The 7 years with RCB are close to my heart). As I take a look back on my time in an RCB shirt, my heart is full of gratitude, love, and emotion.

"The day I first wore the RCB jersey, I never imagined the bond we would form. From the first ball I bowled in RCB colours, to every wicket taken, every match played, every moment shared with you, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. There have been ups and downs, but through it all, one thing has been constant: your unwavering support. RCB is more than just a franchise; it’s a feeling, a heartbeat, a family that feels like home.

"There were nights when the losses hurt deeper than words can explain, but it was your voices in the stands, your messages on social media, your constant belief that kept me going. You, the fans of RCB, are the soul of this team. The energy you bring, the love you give, the faith you show—it’s unmatched. Every time I stepped onto that field, I felt the weight of your dreams and hopes, and I gave it my all because I knew you were right there behind me, pushing me to be better.

"I have seen your tears when we’ve fallen short, and I’ve witnessed your celebrations when we’ve risen to the occasion. And let me tell you, there’s no fanbase in the world like you. Your love, your dedication, your loyalty—it’s something I will cherish for the rest of my life. Though I now step into a new chapter of my career, RCB will always have a piece of my heart.

"This isn’t goodbye—this is a thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for embracing me, and for making me feel like a part of something much

 bigger than just cricket."