Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri hailed Mohammed Siraj for making a solid comeback in IPL 2025 after he was omitted from India’s Champions Trophy squad. Siraj has scalped 12 wickets in eight matches for Gujarat Titans at an average of 23.58 and has played a key role in the success of the franchise.
The fast bowler from Hyderabad had admitted he was hurt after he dropped from Champions Trophy. After his snub, he worked hard on his bowling and fitness and he is now reaping rewards for the same.
Shastri reckons the pace trio of Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah would be lethal in the five-match Test series against England.
Speaking on ICC Review, “I think with Siraj, Jasprit and Mohammed Shami, these three, if they are fully fit, they will give England heaps of problems. It’s a quality, top-class pace attack when you get these three fit.”
He added, “And what I like about Siraj, I’m glad he was hurt after being put out, not in the side for the Champions Trophy. That’s what you want. For him to go back to the drawing board and come back the way he has, there’s a spring in his stride, the pace is up there, and he means business game after game.”
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah’s workload will also be under the scanner during the five-match Test series against England. Bumrah had suffered a back injury during the fifth Test match against Australia earlier in the year. Shastri said it would be crucial for India to give a break to Bumrah in order to get the best out of him.
He concluded, “I would be very, very careful [with Bumrah]. I would give him two Test matches at a time and then wait for the break. Ideally, make him play four. You’ll be tempted to make him play five if he starts off in a great manner, but it’s how his body pulls up. He should be given the first opportunity to say, ‘Yes, a little, [I am] feeling the niggle. A break would help.’ Give him that break.”
The opening Test match between India and England will be played from June 20 onwards at Leeds.
