Mohammed Siraj Likely to Replace This India Batter for Champions Trophy, Says Ajit Agarkar

Published on: February 12, 2025

Mohammed Siraj Likely to Replace This India Batter for Champions Trophy, Says Ajit Agarkar

Aakash Chopra Questions Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Place in India’s Champions Trophy Squad

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised doubts about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s inclusion in India’s final 15-man squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. He believes the young left-handed opener might no longer fit into the team’s plans due to the stability of India’s top order. Instead, Mohammed Siraj could be drafted in, particularly if Jasprit Bumrah fails to recover in time.

India’s Changing Approach to the Batting Order

Initial Plan: Left-Right Combination

India initially seemed to favor a left-right combination at the top of the order, with Yashasvi Jaiswal offering a left-handed option alongside right-handers like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. This strategy was expected to provide variety and disrupt opposition bowlers’ rhythm. However, according to Chopra, this plan appears to have been abandoned following Shreyas Iyer’s impactful innings against England.

Stable Top Order Leaves No Room for Jaiswal

Chopra pointed out that India’s top order now looks well-settled with Rohit Sharma back in form, Shubman Gill as the vice-captain, and Virat Kohli maintaining his position as an immovable figure in the batting lineup. Given this stability, there seems to be no pressing need for an additional opener like Jaiswal.

Speaking on his YouTube show, Chopra explained:

“The batting order is looking set. Rohit has started scoring runs. Shubman Gill is our vice-captain, and he is in good form. Virat Kohli will eventually return to form. Even if he doesn’t, god forbid, India are not going to drop him.”

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Chopra further emphasized that Shreyas Iyer’s match-winning knock of 59 off 36 balls in the first ODI against England has had a significant impact on India’s approach to squad selection. Iyer’s performance has strengthened his position in the middle order, making it even more difficult for Jaiswal to find a place.

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Jaiswal’s Short ODI Stint Raises Concerns

Debut Against England and Immediate Omission

Jaiswal made his ODI debut on February 6 in the series opener against England in Nagpur. He looked promising but was dismissed for 15 runs by Jofra Archer. Despite showing flashes of talent, Jaiswal was immediately dropped from the playing XI once Virat Kohli returned for the second ODI.

This decision has led to speculation about whether Jaiswal is part of India’s long-term ODI plans. Given that he was benched after just one match, Chopra believes the selectors may already have moved on from the idea of including him in the final Champions Trophy squad.

Is There Room for Another Batter?

Chopra outlined India’s current batting lineup, stating that the positions seem well-covered:
• Shreyas Iyer is solid at No. 4.
• KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Axar Patel are all competing for the No. 5 spot.
• One of Rahul or Pant will likely be left out.

With an already stacked batting order, the need for an additional top-order batter like Jaiswal seems minimal.

“You might not require Yashasvi Jaiswal. That’s a possibility,” Chopra concluded.

Mohammed Siraj’s Potential Inclusion in the Squad

India’s Fast-Bowling Dilemma

One of the key concerns for India heading into the Champions Trophy is the availability of Jasprit Bumrah. The star pacer suffered a back injury during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Although he was named in India’s preliminary squad, his participation is still uncertain and will depend on a final fitness assessment.

Siraj Could Replace Jaiswal as India Prioritizes Fast Bowling

Chopra believes that in the event Bumrah is ruled out, India might require an additional fast bowler, making Siraj a strong candidate for selection. He pointed out that Siraj, despite not being included in the ODI squad against England or the preliminary Champions Trophy squad, has the experience and skill set to be a valuable asset.

“You can’t play Yashasvi.
So, if you can’t play him, why take him to the Champions Trophy? I think Mohammed Siraj’s chances of playing are higher than Yashasvi Jaiswal’s,” Chopra stated.

Chopra further added that India might prefer a three-pacer attack for high-pressure matches, especially against teams like Pakistan. In such a scenario, Siraj’s inclusion would make more sense than carrying an extra batter who might not get a game.

“I see a strong chance for Mohammed Siraj to be included, especially if you feel the need for experience in the bowling attack against Pakistan. You might want to go in with three fast bowlers—Siraj could come in. Then, Yashasvi might have to make way.”

Siraj’s Experience and Impact in ODIs

Recent Performances in White-Ball Cricket

Siraj has been a key figure in India’s fast-bowling attack over the past couple of years. His ability to swing the new ball and deliver effective spells in the middle and death overs makes him a valuable asset.

Some of his notable performances in ODIs include:
• 6/21 vs Sri Lanka (2023 Asia Cup Final) – A match-winning spell that dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
• 4/32 vs New Zealand (2023) – Dominated the top order with his sharp movement and disciplined line.
• 3/29 vs Bangladesh (2022 ODI series) – A crucial role in breaking partnerships.

Given these performances, Chopra believes Siraj deserves a place in India’s squad, especially if Bumrah remains unavailable.

Comparison with Other Pacers

If India decides to include Siraj, the team management will have to decide on the best pace combination for the Champions Trophy. Currently, India’s key pacers in contention are:
1. Jasprit Bumrah (if fit)
2. Mohammed Shami
3. Mukesh Kumar
4. Shardul Thakur
5. Prasidh Krishna
6. Mohammed Siraj

Should Bumrah fail to recover, Siraj could be the ideal replacement in India’s first-choice pace trio alongside Shami and one of Mukesh Kumar or Shardul Thakur.

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Conclusion: Jaiswal’s Uncertain Future, Siraj’s Rising Chances

As the Champions Trophy approaches, Aakash Chopra’s comments suggest that India’s squad selection is still evolving. While Jaiswal was initially seen as an exciting option for a left-right opening combination, his role in the team has become increasingly uncertain. The established presence of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli in the top order, along with Shreyas Iyer’s resurgence, has made it difficult to justify his inclusion.

On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj’s chances of making the final squad seem to be rising. With Bumrah’s availability still in doubt, India might prioritize strengthening its fast-bowling attack over carrying an extra batter. If the team management opts for three frontline pacers, Siraj could be a crucial addition, especially in high-stakes matches against Pakistan and other top teams.

As India finalizes its squad for the Champions Trophy, all eyes will be on Bumrah’s fitness assessment and the selectors’ final call on whether to include Jaiswal or Siraj.