Harsha Bhogle asked a controversial question to Player of the Match Mohammed Siraj in the post-match presentation ceremony after the end of the proceedings between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. However, Siraj was up to the task and didn’t allow the renowned sports commentator to succeed in his attempt. It was related to the pacer’s questionable removal from Team India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s injury and Mohammed Shami’s fitness concern, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee didn’t pick Siraj for the global tournament. The move was criticized by former players, who thought Siraj deserved a place considering his performance in the ODI format and weak bowling attack. Meanwhile, India captain Rohit Sharma sided with the selectors and justified their stance. He mentioned that Siraj was not up to the mark in the middle and death overs, so the selection panel made the right call.
With the right-arm pacer taking 9 wickets and winning two Player of the Match awards in the IPL 2025, the seamer has announced his return to form after a tough tour of Australia.
Harsha asked him if he ever thought of giving a reply to someone after his exclusion.
Harsha Bhogle: Did it ever cross your mind that let’s give a reply to someone?
His question was aimed at Rohit, as the skipper was the one who highlighted the reason for not taking Siraj to the Champions Trophy 2025.
Siraj paused for a few seconds before defusing Bhogle’s attempt to create controversy.
Mohammed Siraj: No. It was not in my destiny. It was God’s will. When you are out, you start doubting yourself. A break was good for me as I worked on my weaknesses. You feel good when you are able to bowl the way you want.
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