The IPL 2025 season has begun with a bang, delivering last-over thrillers, stunning performances, and fiery bowling displays throughout the first five matches. In Match 5, Gujarat Titans (GT) took on Punjab Kings (PBKS) but suffered an 11-run defeat of their opening game on Tuesday on the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Before GT stepped onto the sphere in front of home fans, certainly one of their high-profile signings, Mohammed Siraj, spoke about a difficulty weighing on him—his omission from the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Siraj’s exclusion from India’s 15-member squad, which won the tournament under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, surprised many.
Given his consistent performances across formats, the choice sparked considerable debate. Siraj, nonetheless, has accepted the choice gracefully. Before the match, he acknowledged that while it initially hurt, he has come to terms with it.
“Originally, I couldn’t digest that I wasn’t a part of the squad. As a global player, you mostly need to play in an ICC event,” he said.
He further added: Siraj said “Rohit bhai also does what’s best for the team and that’s why he did it, has a lot experience and knew that pacers won’t be of much use on that track – He knew that spinners shall be for useful and that’s why they decided to snub me”. [Talking about CT 2025]
Siraj said “Rohit bhai also does what’s best for the team and that is why he did it, has a lot experience and knew that pacers won’t be of much use on that track – He knew that spinners shall be for useful and that is why they decided to snub me”. [Talking about CT 2025] pic.twitter.com/wAU5NcbZUv
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 25, 2025
Nonetheless, the Hyderabad pacer didn’t place blame on anyone. As a substitute, he supported Rohit Sharma‘s decision, acknowledging the reasoning behind it.
“Rohit bhai also does what’s best for the team… he knew that pacers won’t be of much use on that track. That’s why they went with 4 spinners,” Siraj added.
Rohit Sharma’s bet on spin proves successful
Rohit’s instinctive decision turned out to be spot on. India defeated Latest Zealand in the ultimate, securing their second ICC title inside nine months. With spin-friendly conditions, the selection to field 4 spinners proved highly effective.
Although Siraj was disregarded, there’s no resentment in his words—only a touch of disappointment mixed with immense maturity. It’s this attitude that actually defines him as a team player.
Get the newest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
